Coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle includes a flow body defining a conduit. The flow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow through the conduit. The nozzle includes a mounting ring through which the flow body slidably extends and a bushing fixedly positioned adjacent the mounting ring. The bushing slidably receives the flow body in a keyed manner to prevent rotation of the flow body. The nozzle includes a flow control assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The flow control assembly is configured to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body in an open position and prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body in a closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation to U.S. application Ser. No.17/016,008, filed on Sep. 9, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/897,710, filed on Sep. 9, 2019; U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/940,542, filed on Nov. 26, 2019; U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 63/052,254, filed on Jul. 15, 2020; and U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 63/062,035, filed on Aug. 6, 2020. Theseprior applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to cryogenic fluid and, morespecifically, to a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid.

BACKGROUND

Receptacles are designed to receive fluid from nozzles. Receptaclestransfer the received fluid into a connected storage tank. One exampleof a receptacle is a car gasoline port. One example of a nozzle is agasoline dispenser at a gas station. One example of a connected storagetank is a car gas tank. Some fluids, such as liquid natural gas (LNG)and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are transferred via specializednozzles and receptacles.

LNG may be stored in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., −150degrees C. or −238 degrees F.). During the transferring process betweennozzle and receptacle, a portion of LNG and/or LNG may heat up andvaporize into gas. This gas expands to occupy all accessible areas ofthe nozzle and receptacle. When the transferring process is complete, aportion of the vaporized gas will remain in the receptacle. When thenozzle is eventually disconnected from the receptacle, this remaininggas is oftentimes vented into ambient atmosphere. Even when theremaining gas is vented from the receptacle, new gas will flow from thestorage tank into the receptacle, thus pressurizing the receptacle. Thenext time a nozzle is inserted into the receptacle, the remaining gasmay oppose the insertion of the nozzle, thus making the coupling processphysically difficult.

SUMMARY

The appended claims define this application. The present disclosuresummarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limitthe claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance withthe techniques described herein, as will be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings anddetailed description, and these implementations are intended to bewithin the scope of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made toembodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in thedrawings are not necessarily to scale and related elements may beomitted, or in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated, soas to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features describedherein. In addition, system components can be variously arranged, asknown in the art. Further, in the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for filling a fill tank withcryogenic fluid in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a coupling nozzle and a corresponding sleeve of thefilling system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a first side of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a second side of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end cover of the coupling nozzle ofFIG. 2 coupling to a receptacle of the filling system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the coupling nozzle end cover of FIG. 6 coupledto the receptacle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a magnified perspective view of an end of the coupling nozzleof FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a further magnified view of the end of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 without an endcover.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 depicts the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 coupled to and unlockedfrom the receptacle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 13 depicts the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 coupled and locked to thereceptacle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 depicts a closed position and an open position of the couplingnozzle of FIG. 2 and the receptacle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 and thereceptacle of FIG. 6 in a closed position during a fill sequence.

FIG. 16 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 in apartially-open position during a fill sequence.

FIG. 17 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 and thereceptacle of FIG. 6 in an open position during a fill sequence.

FIG. 18 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 and thereceptacle of FIG. 6 in a closed position during a post-fill sequence.

FIG. 19 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 in apartially-open position during a post-fill sequence.

FIG. 20 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 in an openposition during a post-fill sequence.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for filling a tank with cryogenic fluid utilizingthe coupling nozzle of FIG. 2 in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 22 is a cutaway side view of an end of the coupling nozzle of FIG.2 with an example integrated cleaning nozzle in accordance with theteachings herein.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the end of the coupling nozzle and theintegrated cleaning nozzle of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the integrated cleaning nozzle of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the integrated cleaning nozzle of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is an elevational side view of certain components of a furtherembodiment of a coupling nozzle in accordance with the teachings herein,with the coupling nozzle in the unlocked position.

FIG. 27 is an elevational side view the components of FIG. 26, with thecoupling nozzle in the locked position.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the coupling nozzle components of FIG.26, with the coupling nozzle in the unlocked position.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the coupling nozzle components of FIG.26, with the coupling nozzle in the locked position.

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the locking linkage components ofthe coupling nozzle of FIG. 26, with the components in the unlockedposition.

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the locking linkage components ofthe coupling nozzle of FIG. 26, with the components in the unlockedposition.

FIG. 32 is a side view of a further embodiment of a coupling nozzle inaccordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 32 without asleeve and in a locked position.

FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 32without a sleeve and in a locked position.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a bushing for a flow body of thecoupling nozzle of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a bundle of hoses of the couplingnozzle of FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a poppet of the coupling nozzle ofFIG. 32.

FIG. 38 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the poppet of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a poppet body of the poppet of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a magnified view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 32 and areceptacle during a venting period.

FIG. 41 depicts a redundant lock of the poppet of FIG. 37 in an unlockedposition.

FIG. 42 depicts the redundant lock of FIG. 40 in a locked position.

FIG. 43 is a magnified view of the redundant lock of FIG. 40 in thelocked position.

FIG. 44 is a magnified view of the redundant lock of FIG. 40 in theunlocked position.

FIG. 45 depicts a proximity sensor of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 32when the coupling nozzle is decoupled from a receptacle.

FIG. 46 depicts the proximity sensor of FIG. 45 when the coupling nozzleis coupled to a receptacle.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart for filling a tank with cryogenic fluid utilizingthe coupling nozzle of FIG. 32 in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 48 is a side view of a further embodiment of a coupling nozzle inaccordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling nozzle of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a poppet of the coupling nozzle ofFIG. 48.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a lock of a redundant locking mechanismof the coupling nozzle of FIG. 48.

FIG. 52 depicts a redundant locking mechanism of the coupling nozzle ofFIG. 48 in a locked position.

FIG. 53 further depicts the redundant locking mechanism of FIG. 52 inthe locked position.

FIG. 54 is a side view of the redundant locking mechanism of FIG. 52 ina first partially-unlocked position.

FIG. 55 is a side view of the redundant locking mechanism of FIG. 52 ina second partially-unlocked position.

FIG. 56 is a side view of the redundant locking mechanism of FIG. 52 inan unlocked position.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart for filling a tank with cryogenic fluid utilizingthe coupling nozzle of FIG. 48 in accordance with the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention may be embodied in various forms, there are shown inthe drawings, and will hereinafter be described, some exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsillustrated.

Example nozzles disclosed herein are configured to provide an intuitivefueling process with cryogenic fluids that requires minimal, if any,training for an operator to execute. For example, nozzles disclosedherein are configured to facilitate a fully-automated process forfilling a tank with cryogenic fluid. In some examples, the nozzleenables the operator to quickly and securely coupled the nozzle to areceptacle of a fluid source, press a button to initiate fluid flow, andwatch the automated process safely fill the tank with cryogenic fluid.

In order to facilitate an automated filling process, example nozzlesdisclosed herein include one or more of the following: (a) a nozzlecover configured to facilitate an operator in coupling the nozzle to thereceptacle, (b) a low-force locking mechanism for securely coupling thenozzle to the receptacle, (c) a cleaning mechanism configured to removedirt and/or other substance(s) from a chamber formed between the nozzleand the receptacle, (d) a thermally isolated and/or insulated flow-pathfrom the nozzle that is configured to enable an operator to hold acorresponding hose without gloves and/or other protective gear duringthe filling process, (e) an electrical system configured to enablemonitoring and control of the filling process in an automated manner,(f) a breakaway system of the electrical system that is configured tomaintain the safety of the filling system when one portion of the systemis unintentionally severed or otherwise disconnected from anotherportion, and/or (g) a venting system configured to (i) vent liquid thatis trapped between the nozzle and the receptacle into the filling tank,instead of the atmosphere, upon completion of the filling process and(ii) subsequently nullify pressure between the nozzle and the receptacleto facilitate an operator in easily disconnecting the nozzle from thereceptacle.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 1 forfilling a fill tank 2 with cryogenic fluid in accordance with theteachings herein. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes asource tank 3 configured to store the cryogenic fluid and the fill tank2 configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3.Further, a hose 4 is connected to the source tank 3, and another hose 5is connected to the fill tank 2. In order to enable the fill tank 2 tocollect the cryogenic fluid from the source tank 3, an operator 6couples the hose 4 and the hose 5 together to fluidly couple the filltank 2 to the source tank 3. For example, the operator 6 couples thehose 4 and the hose 5 together via a receptacle (e.g., a receptacle 10of FIG. 6) of the hose 4 that couples to a nozzle (e.g., a nozzle 100 ofFIG. 2) of the hose 5.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate an example nozzle 100 (also referred to as acoupling nozzle) of the system 1 in accordance with the teachingsherein. More specifically, FIG. 2 depicts the nozzle 100 and acorresponding sleeve 200, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the nozzle100, FIG. 4 depicts a first side of the nozzle 100, and FIG. 5 depictsan opposing second side of the nozzle 100.

The nozzle 100 includes a flow body 300 that defines a conduit 310. Theconduit 310 includes an inlet 311 and an outlet 312. The inlet 311 ofthe conduit 310 is adjacent an end cover 400 of the nozzle 100, and theoutlet 312 is adjacent a threaded end 320 of the flow body 300. In theillustrated example, the end cover 400 includes a mounting ring 420 towhich other components are configured to mount. In some examples, asillustrated in FIG. 2, the outlet 312 and the threaded end 320 arelocated at an end of a linear portion of the flow body 300. In otherexamples, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the outlet 312 and the threadedend 320 are located at an end of an L-shaped portion of the flow body300. The hose 5 couples to the threaded end 320 to enable cryogenicfluid to flow from the nozzle 100 to the fill tank 2.

The nozzle 100 also includes a pneumatic cylinder 500 (alternativelyreferred to as a main pneumatic cylinder or a flow-control pneumaticcylinder) for controlling pressure within the conduit 310, and an arm510 operatively coupling the pneumatic cylinder 500 to the conduit 310.For example, the pneumatical cylinder 500 includes a cylinder body 505that is fixedly positioned related to the mounting ring 420. The arm 510is coupled to and extends from an end of a shaft 520 of the pneumaticcylinder 500 that is configured to actuate linearly between an extendedposition and a contracted position. In other examples, the nozzle 100may include another type of actuator (e.g., another type of linearactuator) that is capable of controlling the pressure within the conduit310.

The nozzle 100 of the illustrated example also includes anotherpneumatic cylinder 600 (alternatively referred to as a secondarypneumatic cylinder or a locking pneumatic cylinder) for controlling alocking mechanism (e.g., a locking mechanism 800) in an automatedmanner. For example, the pneumatical cylinder 600 includes a cylinderbody 605 that is fixedly positioned related to the mounting ring 420.The pneumatic cylinder 600 is a linear actuator that includes a shaft620 that is configured to actuate linearly in order to control movementof the locking mechanism. In other examples, the nozzle 100 may includeanother type of actuator (e.g., another type of linear actuator) that iscapable of controlling movement of the locking mechanism. Additionally,the nozzle 100 includes a rotating handle 700 for manually controllingthe locking mechanism, and a linkage assembly 710 to operatively couplethe rotating handle 700 to the locking mechanism. As illustrated inFIGS. 3-5, the nozzle 100 also includes piping 530 for compressed airthat enables operation of the pneumatic cylinder 500 and/or thepneumatic cylinder 600. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the nozzle100 includes one or more proximity sensors 810 that are configured todetect a position (e.g., a locked position and/or an unlocked position)of the locking mechanism 800.

Further, the sleeve 200 of the nozzle 100 extends from the mounting ring420 and is configured to at least partially cover one or more othercomponents of the nozzle 100. For example, the sleeve 200 is configuredto enclose the pneumatic cylinder 500, the arm 510, the pneumaticcylinder 600, the linkage assembly 710, and the piping 530. Whenoperating the nozzle 100, the operator 6 may place his or her hands onthe sleeve 200 and/or the rotating handle 700 as cryogenic fluid flowsthrough the flow body 300 of the nozzle 100 and the hose 5 coupled tothe flow body 300. Because the sleeve 200 and the rotating handle 700are thermally isolated from the flow body 300 and the hose 5, theoperator 6 is able to hold the nozzle 100 without gloves while cryogenicfluid is flowing through the nozzle 100.

FIGS. 6-7 further illustrate the end cover 400 of the nozzle 100 that isconfigured to couple to a receptacle 10 of the system 1. Morespecifically, FIG. 6 depicts the end cover 400 of the nozzle 100 beingcoupled to the receptacle 10, and FIG. 7 depicts the end cover 400 ofthe nozzle 100 coupled to the receptacle 10. The end cover 400 isconfigured to couple to a receptacle, such as the receptacle 10, that isin accordance with standards set by an industry body. For example, thecomponents and operation of the components of the receptacle 10 are inaccordance with standard 12617 of the International StandardsOrganization (ISO).

The end cover 400 of the illustrated example includes flanges 410 thatdefine slots 411 for receiving bearings 20 of the receptacle 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the flanges 410 are adjacent the inlet 311 of theflow body 300. Returning to FIGS. 6-7, the slots 411 of the end cover400 are linear and are configured to receive the bearings 20 of thereceptacle linearly, without rotation of the end cover 400, to extendthe life cycle of the nozzle 100 and/or the hose 5 by preventingtwisting and/or tilting of the nozzle 100.

In the illustrated example, the flanges 410 are equally sized with eachother. Further, the flanges 410 are equally spaced apart from each otherconcentrically around a center axis of the end cover 400 such that theslots 411 are equally sized and spaced apart with respect to each other.The slots 411 are arranged to reduce the amount of rotation of thenozzle 100 that is needed to engage the bearings 20. For example, theend cover 400 of FIGS. 6-7 includes six flanges 410 that define sixslots 411. The six slots 411 are equally sized and spaced apart fromeach other such that the nozzle 100 need only be rotated no more than 30degrees to align three of the six slots 411 with the three bearings 20of the receptacle 10 before the nozzle 100 is secured to the receptacle10. Further, each of the flanges 410 include chamfers 412 thatfacilitate the operator 6 in guiding the bearings 20 of the receptacle10 into the slots 411 of the end cover 400 of the nozzle 100. Forexample, the chamfers 412 of FIGS. 6-7 are angled at about 70 degrees tofacilitate the operator 6 in coupling the end cover 400 to thereceptacle 10.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a coupling end 330 of the nozzle 100. Morespecifically, FIG. 8 is a magnified view of the coupling end 330, andFIG. 9 is a further magnified view of the coupling end 330. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the flanges 410 of the end cover 400 and theinlet 311 of the conduit 310 defined by the flow body 300 are located atthe coupling end 330 of the nozzle 100. A seal 331 (e.g., an O-ring)extends circumferentially around the flow body 300 adjacent the inlet311 to fluidly seal the connection between the nozzle 100 and thereceptacle 10. Additionally, a mechanical wiper 332 (e.g., an O-ring)extends circumferentially around the flow body 300 between the inlet 311and the seal 331. In the illustrated example, the mechanical wiper 332is positioned between an end of the flow body 300 and a seat 360extending partially from within the flow body 300. The mechanical wiper332 is configured to wipe a portion of the receptacle 10 before thatportion of the receptacle 10 engages the seal 331. By cleaning thereceptacle 10 before the nozzle 100 sealingly couples to the receptacle10, the mechanical wiper 332 is configured to prevent dirt and/or othermaterial from loosening the sealed engagement between the receptacle 10and the seal 331. Further, in the illustrated example, the flow body 300defines a groove 333 in which the mechanical wiper 332 rests in arecessed manner to prevent the mechanical wiper 332 from sealing andtrapping material (e.g., cryogenic fluid) between the mechanical wiper332 and the seal 331. Additionally or alternatively, the nozzle 100includes a nozzle with an outlet that is adjacent the coupling end 330of the nozzle 100 and configured to blow nitrogen gas, compressed airand/or another cleaning fluid to clean the sealing portion of thereceptacle 10.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an example locking mechanism 800 (also referredto as a first locking mechanism) of the nozzle 100 that is configured tolock the nozzle 100 to the receptacle 10 in a secure manner. Morespecifically, FIG. 10 is a side view of the nozzle 100 with the lockingmechanism 800 in an unlocked position, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectionalview of the nozzle 100 with the locking mechanism 800 in the unlockedposition. Further, FIG. 12 depicts the nozzle 100 coupled to thereceptacle 10 with the locking mechanism 800 in the unlocked position,and FIG. 13 depicts the nozzle 100 coupled to the receptacle 10 with thelocking mechanism 800 in a locked position.

The locking mechanism 800 of the illustrated example includes aplurality of linkages 820 that are circumferentially arranged about theflow body 300 adjacent the coupling end 330. Each of the plurality oflinkages 820 includes a proximal end 821 and a distal end 822. Thedistal end includes a flange 823 (alternatively referred to as a claw ora tooth) that is configured to engage an outer flange 11 of thereceptacle 10 to secure the nozzle 100 to the receptacle 10. Theproximal end 821 of each of the plurality of linkages 820 is coupled tothe mounting ring 420 and/or another portion of the end cover 400.Further, the proximal end 821 of each of the plurality of linkages 820is operatively coupled to both the pneumatic cylinder 600 and therotating handle 700. That is, both the pneumatic cylinder 600 and therotating handle 700 are configured to cause the locking mechanism 800 totransition between the unlocked position and the locked position. Inparticular, the pneumatic cylinder 600 and the rotating handle 700 ofthe illustrated example are operatively parallel to each other such thatthe locking mechanism 800 actuates when either the pneumatic cylinder600 or the rotating handle 700 actuates.

For example, actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 600 transitions thelocking mechanism 800 between the unlocked position and the lockedposition. That is, the pneumatic cylinder 600 enables the operator 6 tolock and unlock the locking mechanism 800 without having to apply themechanical force needed to lock and unlock the locking mechanism 800.The nozzle 100 includes a button that is operatively coupled to thepneumatic cylinder 600. When the operator 6 presses the button, thepneumatic cylinder 600 causes the shaft 620 to actuate linearly.Further, the shaft 620 of the pneumatic cylinder 600 is coupled to theproximal end 821 of each of the plurality of linkages 820. In turn,linear actuation of the shaft 620 causes the proximal end 821 of eachthe plurality of linkages 820 to move, and movement of the proximal end821 causes the distal end 822 to transition between the unlockedposition and the locked position.

Additionally, the nozzle 100 of the illustrated example includes therotating handle 700 as a backup to the pneumatic cylinder 600. In someinstances, the locking mechanism 800 may potentially become stuck in thelocked position as a result of the flanges 823 of the locking mechanism800 being frozen to the outer flange 11 of the receptacle 10. In suchinstances, the pneumatic cylinder 600 may also potentially be unable toovercome the forces resulting from the flanges 823 and the outer flange11 being frozen together. The rotating handle 700 enables the operator 6to apply a force that overcomes such forces. That is, the rotatinghandle 700 is configured to transition the locking mechanism 800 fromthe locked position to the unlocked position when the locking mechanism800 is temporarily frozen to the receptacle 10. For example, the linkageassembly 710 operatively coupled to the rotating handle 700 is coupledto the proximal end 821 of each of the plurality of linkages 820. Whenthe operator 6 applies a small mechanical force to the rotating handle700, rotation of the rotating handle 700 causes the linkage assembly 710to actuate linearly. In turn, linear actuation of the shaft 620 causesthe proximal end 821 of each the plurality of linkages 820 to move, andmovement of the proximal end 821 causes the distal end 822 to transitionbetween the unlocked position and the locked position. By only requiringa relatively small force to rotate the rotating handle 700, the rotatinghandle 700 enables a wide range of people to couple the nozzle 100 tothe receptacle 10 and, thus, operate the system 1.

FIG. 14 depicts the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 securely coupledtogether in a closed position and an open position. In the openposition, fluid passageway(s) are formed within the receptacle 10 andthe nozzle 100 to enable cryogenic fluid to flow from the source tank 3to the fill tank 2. In the closed position, the fluid passageway(s) areclosed to prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing from the source tank3 to the fill tank 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the flow body 300 of the nozzle 100 linearlyactuates within the receptacle 10 to transition between the closedposition and the open position. For example, from the closed position,the pneumatic cylinder 500 pushes the flow body 300 farther into thereceptacle 10 to the open position. From the open position, thepneumatic cylinder 500 partially retracts the flow body 300 from thereceptacle 10 to the closed position.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a portion of the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10during a fill sequence of the system 1. More specifically, FIG. 15depicts the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 in a closed position of thefill sequence, FIG. 16 depicts the nozzle 100 in a partially-openposition of the fill sequence, and FIG. 17 depicts the nozzle 100 andthe receptacle 10 in an open position of the fill sequence.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a flow body 30 of the receptacle 10 defines aconduit 91. A poppet 40 is disposed within the conduit 91. The poppet 40includes a plug 41, a seat 50, a stem 42, a spring 60, and a body insert70. The body insert 70 is fixed within the conduit 91 toward an inlet ofthe conduit 91. The body insert 70 defines opening(s) through whichcryogenic fluid is able to flow and an aperture through which the stem42 is configured to slidably extend. Further, the seat 50 of thereceptacle 10 is fixed toward an outlet of the conduit 91. The stem 42is configured to actuate linearly within the conduit 91. Additionally,the plug 41 is integrally formed with and/or fixedly coupled to the stem42. The spring 60 is coupled to and extends between the body insert 70and the plug 41 such that the spring 60 contracts and/or expands as theplug 41 moves relative to the body insert 70. In the closed position, asillustrated in FIG. 15, the plug 41 sealingly engages a seal 80 of theseat 50 to enclose a receptacle chamber 92 formed between the plug 41and the body insert 70. The spring 60 is a compression spring thatbiases the plug 41 to the closed position. Additionally, in the closedposition, an end 43 of the stem 42 extends through the seat 50 beyond anouter surface 51 of the seat 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a flow control assembly 335 of the nozzle 100is at least partially disposed in the conduit 310 of the flow body 300of the nozzle 100. For example, an outer poppet 340 and an inner poppet350 of the nozzle 100 are disposed within the conduit 310.

The outer poppet 340 includes a poppet body 341, the seat 360 (alsoreferred to as the valve seat), a spring 342, and a body insert 370. Thepoppet body 341 is hollow and defines openings 343 through whichcryogenic fluid is configured to flow. The seat 360 of the nozzle 100 isfixed to the flow body 300 toward the inlet 311 of the conduit 310. Thepoppet body 341 at least partially defines a plug 344 of the poppet body341. Further, the poppet body 341 is configured to linearly actuatewithin the conduit 310 between the closed position and the openposition. The plug 344 includes a seal 345 that, in the closed positiondepicted in FIG. 15, is configured to engage the seat 360 when the outerpoppet 340 is in the closed position. The flow body 300 defines a step346 that, in the open position depicted in FIG. 18, is configured toengage the poppet body 341 to limit movement of the poppet body 341 tothe open position. Additionally, the body insert 370 is fixed within theconduit 310 toward an outlet 312 of the conduit 310. The body insert 370defines opening(s) through which cryogenic fluid is able to flow and anaperture through which a stem 351 is configured to slidably extend. Thespring 342 is coupled to and extends between the body insert 370 and thepoppet body 341 to bias the plug 344 to engage the seat 360.Additionally, the spring 342 contracts and/or expands as the poppet body341 moves relative to the body insert 370.

Further, the inner poppet 350 includes the stem 351, a plug 352, aspring 353, and the body insert 370. The body insert 370 defines anaperture through which the stem 351 is configured to slidably extend.The stem 351 also is configured to slidably extend through an aperturedefined by the poppet body 341. That is, the stem 351 extends beyond theplug 344 and is configured to actuate linearly within the conduit 310relative to the body insert 370 and/or the poppet body 341.Additionally, the plug 352 is at least partially defined by the stem351. For example, the plug 352 is integrally formed with and/or fixedlycoupled to the stem 351. The spring 353 is coupled to and extendsbetween the body insert 370 and the plug 352 such that the spring 353contracts and/or expands as the plug 352 moves relative to the bodyinsert 370. In the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the plug352 is partially defined by a seal 354 that sealingly engages a seatsurface 355 defined by an interior of the poppet body 341. The spring353 is a compression spring that biases the plug 352 to the closedposition. Additionally, in the closed position, an end 356 of the stem351 extends through an opening defined by the poppet body 341 and theseat 360 of the outer poppet 340 beyond an outer surface 361 of the seat360.

When the nozzle 100 is in the closed position, the outer poppet 340 andthe inner poppet 350 of the nozzle 100 are in respective closedpositions. When the outer poppet 340 is closed, the plug 344 sealinglyengages the seat 360. When the inner poppet 350 is closed, the plug 352sealingly engages the seat surface 355. In turn, a nozzle chamber 313formed between the poppet body 341 and the body insert 370 is sealinglyenclosed. Additionally when the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 arecoupled together in the closed position, a coupled chamber 314 formedbetween the plug 41 of the receptacle 10 and the poppet body 341 of thenozzle 100 is sealingly enclosed. That is, in the closed position, thereceptacle chamber 92, the nozzle chamber 313, and the coupled chamber314 are fluidly isolated from each other.

In operation during the fill process, the nozzle 100 and the receptacle10 are initially in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 15. Thesource tank 3 is set to a maximum pressure, and the pneumatic cylinder500 is set to the extended position. As a result, the pressure appliedfrom the source tank 3 and the spring 60 push the poppet 40 of thereceptacle 10 to the closed position. Further, with no force beingapplied by the pneumatic cylinder 500, the spring 342 pushes the outerpoppet 340 to the closed position and the spring 353 pushes the innerpoppet 350 to the closed position.

Subsequently, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is set to actuate linearlytoward the extended position. As the shaft 520 of the pneumatic cylinder500 actuates from the contracted position toward the extended position,the pneumatic cylinder 500 causes the flow body 300 to actuate towardthe seat 50 of the receptacle 10 within the conduit 91 of the receptacle10. Initially, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is unable to overcome (1) thecombined force of the pressurized cryogenic fluid and the spring 60acting on the plug 41 of the receptacle 10 or (2) the combined force ofthe pressurized cryogenic fluid and the spring 342 acting on the poppetbody 341. As a result, the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 and the outerpoppet 340 of the nozzle 100 remain in the closed position.

In the illustrated example, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is 1 1/16 inchbore pneumatic cylinder that is configured to output a force up to about90 pounds. The spring 60 of the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 isconfigured to apply a force of about 26 pounds, and the spring 342 ofthe outer poppet 340 is configured to apply a force of about 20 pounds.The source tank 3 is able to emit a maximum pressure of about 14.5 bar(e.g., resulting in a maximum change in pressure of about 13.5 barrelative to the atmosphere). Further, the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10has an outer diameter for fluid flow of about 0.94 inches, and the outerpoppet 340 has an outer diameter for fluid flow of about 1.00 inches. Inturn, the force exerted by the cryogenic fluid onto the poppet 40 of thereceptacle 10 is about 135.1 pounds, and the force exerted by thecryogenic fluid onto the outer poppet 340 is about 152.7 pounds. Becausethe force exerted by the pneumatic cylinder 500 (about 90 pounds) isless than the combined force of the pressurized fluid (about 152.7pounds) and the spring 342 (about 20 pounds) acting on the outer poppet340, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is currently unable to move the outerpoppet 340 from the closed position. Similarly, because the forceexerted by the pneumatic cylinder 500 (about 90 pounds) is less than thecombined force of the pressurized fluid (about 135.1 pounds) and thespring 60 (about 26 pounds) acting on the poppet 40 of the receptacle10, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is currently unable to move the poppet 40from the closed position.

At the same time, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is able to overcome thecombined force of the pressurized cryogenic fluid and the spring 353acting on the plug 352 of the inner poppet 350. As a result, thepneumatic cylinder 500 opens the inner poppet 350 while the outer poppet340 and the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 remain in the closedposition.

In the illustrated example, the spring 353 of the inner poppet 350 isconfigured to apply a force of about 20 pounds. The inner poppet 350 hasan outer diameter for fluid flow of about 0.38 inches. In turn, theforce exerted by the cryogenic fluid onto the inner poppet 350 is about22.5 pounds. Because the force exerted by the pneumatic cylinder 500(about 90 pounds) is greater than the combined force of the pressurizedfluid (about 22.5 pounds) and the spring 353 (about 20 pounds) acting onthe inner poppet 350, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is currently able tomove the inner poppet 350 to an open position.

FIG. 16 depicts the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 in thepartially-open position at which the inner poppet 350 is open and theouter poppet 340 and the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 remain closed.As illustrated in FIG. 16, the nozzle chamber 313 and the coupledchamber 314 become fluidly coupled when the inner poppet 350 is open. Inturn, the pressure within the nozzle 100 is equalized. That is, theinner poppet 350 is configured to equalized the pressure within theconduit 310. Once the pressure equalizes, the pneumatic cylinder 500 isable to push the flow body 300 of the nozzle 100 farther into theconduit 91 of the receptacle 10 to open the outer poppet 340 of thenozzle 100 and the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10. To open the outerpoppet 340, the plug 344 of the outer poppet 340 disengages the seat360. As disclosed in greater detail below, the outer poppet 340 isconfigured to control the flow of cryogenic fluid through the conduit310.

FIG. 17 depicts the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 in the openposition. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the outer surface 361 of the seat360 of the nozzle 100 engages the outer surface 51 of the seat 50 of thereceptacle 10 at the open position. Further, the receptacle chamber 92,the nozzle chamber 313, and the coupled chamber 314 are fluidly coupledtogether in the open position, thereby enabling cryogenic fluid to flowfrom the source tank 3, through the receptacle 10 and the nozzle 100,and to the fill tank 2. After the fill tank 2 is filled, the shaft 520of the pneumatic cylinder 500 returns to the contracted position toclose the receptacle 10 and the outer poppet 340 and the inner poppet350 of the nozzle 100 and, thus, close the fluid flow path between thereceptacle 10 and the nozzle 100.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate a portion of the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10during a post-fill sequence. More specifically, FIG. 18 depicts thenozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 in a closed position of the post-fillsequence, FIG. 19 depicts the nozzle 100 in a partially-open position ofthe post-fill sequence, and FIG. 20 depicts the nozzle 100 in an openposition of the post-fill sequence.

When the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 return to the closed positionafter the fill process as a result of the shaft 520 of the pneumaticcylinder 500 retracting to the contracted position, as illustrated inFIG. 18, some cryogenic fluid is trapped in the coupled chamber 314between the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 and poppet body 341 of thenozzle 100. Over time, the trapped fluid evaporates from a liquid into agas, thereby increasing the pressure within the coupled chamber 314.When the pressure within the coupled chamber 314 exerts a force on thepoppet body 341 that exceeds the opposing force of the spring 342, theouter poppet 340 opens to a partially-open position to enable thetrapped cryogenic fluid to evacuate to the fill tank 2 (instead of theatmosphere upon decoupling the nozzle 100 from the receptacle 10).

FIG. 19 depicts the outer poppet 340 of the nozzle 100 in thepartially-open position. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the inner poppet 350temporarily remains in the closed position when the outer poppet 340 isin the partially-open position during the post-fill process. This occursbecause the inner poppet 350 has a smaller outer diameter than that ofthe outer poppet 340, which results in the trapped pressure being ableto open the outer poppet 340 without opening the inner poppet 350.

After the outer poppet 340 is partially opened, the pneumatic cylinder500 is capable of applying a force to also open the inner poppet 350.That is, after the outer poppet 340 is partially open, the pneumaticcylinder 500 is set to move toward the extended position in order toopen the inner poppet 350 of the nozzle 100. FIG. 20 depicts the nozzle100 with the outer poppet 340 and the inner poppet 350 opened during thepost-fill sequence. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the poppet 40 of thereceptacle 10 remains in the closed position as a result of the forceexerted by the difference in pressure between the receptacle chamber 92and the coupled chamber 314 exceeding the maximum force exerted by thepneumatic cylinder 500. When the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 isclosed while the outer poppet 340 and the inner poppet 350 are opened,the pressure resulting from the trapped fluid is able to vented to thefill tank 2 until the pressure within the coupled chamber 314 isapproximately null. Once the pressure within the coupled chamber 314 isreduced to zero, the pneumatic cylinder 500 actuates to an extendedposition to again close the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10.Subsequently, the operator 6 is able to easily decouple the nozzle 100from the receptacle 10 without having to overcome any forces (e.g.,“kick back” forces) resulting from trapped fluid.

In the illustrated example, components of the nozzle 100 are sized andarranged to enable the nozzle 100 to operate with a receptacle (e.g.,the receptacle 10) that is in accordance with the ISO 12617 standard.That is, the components of the nozzle 100 are sized and arranged toenable the nozzle 100 to operate with a receptacle having a spring forceof 26 pounds and a poppet diameter of about 1.00 inches with a maximumpressure applied from the source tank 3 being about 14.5 bar (e.g.,resulting in a maximum change in pressure of about 13.5 bar relative tothe atmosphere). For example, the diameter of the outer poppet 340(e.g., about 1.00 inches), the diameter of the inner poppet 350 (e.g.,about 0.38 inches), the maximum force of the spring 342 (e.g., about 20pounds), the maximum force of the spring 353 (e.g., about 20 pounds),and the maximum force of the pneumatic cylinder 500 (e.g., about 90pounds) enable the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 to (i) open for thefill process and (ii) remain closed for the post-fill process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for filling a tank (e.g., the fill tank 2) withcryogenic fluid utilizing the nozzle 100 of FIG. 2 in accordance withthe teachings herein. At block 902, the operator 6 locks the nozzle 100to the receptacle 10. For example, the operator 6 utilizes the pneumaticcylinder 600 and a corresponding button to lock the nozzle 100 to thereceptacle 10 in an automated manner. In some examples, prior to lockingthe nozzle 100 to the receptacle 10, the operator 6 removes dirt and/orother substance(s) from and/or dries the receptacle 10 and/or the nozzle100 via a cleaning mechanism (e.g., an integrated cleaning nozzle of thenozzle 100, such as a cleaning nozzle 1380 of FIGS. 22-25) to facilitatea sealed engagement between the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10. Atblock 904, the operator 6 applies a maximum pressure from the sourcetank 3 (e.g., about 14.5 bar). At block 906, the operator 6 presses abutton to set the pneumatic cylinder 500 to move toward the extendedposition. In some examples, the nozzle 100 includes proximity sensor(s)to detect the position of the locking mechanism 800. In such examples,the pneumatic cylinder 500 does not move toward the extended positionwhen the corresponding button is touched if the proximity sensor(s)detect that the locking mechanism 800 is not in the locked position.

At block 908, the pneumatic cylinder 500 pushes the flow body 300 of thenozzle 100 to open the inner poppet 350 of the nozzle 100, therebynormalizing the pressure within the coupled chamber 314 formed betweenthe receptacle 10 and the nozzle 100. At block 910, when the pressurewithin the coupled chamber 314 is normalized, the pneumatic cylinder 500continues to push the flow body 300 of the nozzle 100 to the openposition at which the outer poppet 340 of the nozzle 100 and the poppet40 of the receptacle 10 are open. At block 912, when the outer poppet340 and the poppet 40 are open, cryogenic fluid flows from the sourcetank 3 to the fill tank 2 through the receptacle 10 and the nozzle 100.At block 914, the pneumatic cylinder 500 retracts to cause the nozzle100 and the receptacle 10 to return to the closed position in order tostop the fluid flow between the source tank 3 and the fill tank 2. Insome examples, an electrical circuit of the system 1 detects when thefill tank 2 is full and subsequently causes a return to the closedposition. In some examples, the operator 6 presses a button to cause areturn to the closed position.

At block 916, the outer poppet 340 of the nozzle 100 opens to apartially-open position, without the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10opening, after pressure builds within the coupled chamber 314 betweenthe nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10 to exceed a first predeterminedthreshold. When the outer poppet 340 is partially open, cryogenic fluidtrapped within the coupled chamber 314 is released to the fill tank 2.Further, at block 918, the pneumatic cylinder 500 is reset to returntoward the extended position to continue to vent pressure trapped in thecoupled chamber 314 between the nozzle 100 and the receptacle 10. Forexample, when the pressure within the coupled chamber 314 is reduced toless than a second predetermined threshold, the pneumatic cylinder 500causes the inner poppet 350 of the nozzle 100 to open, without causingthe poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 to open, in order to reduce thepressure within the chamber to substantially 0 bar. At block 920, thepneumatic cylinder 500 again returns to the contracted position. In someexamples, an electrical circuit of the system 1 detects when thepressure within the coupled chamber 314 is negligible and subsequentlycauses a return to the closed position. In some examples, the operator 6presses a button to cause a return to the closed position.

At block 922, the operator 6 unlocks the locking mechanism 800 to unlockthe nozzle 100 from the receptacle 10. For example, the operator 6utilizes the pneumatic cylinder 600 and a corresponding button to unlockthe locking mechanism 800 in an automated manner and/or manually unlocksthe locking mechanism 800 manually by rotating the rotating handle 700.At block 924, the operator 6 decouples the nozzle 100 from thereceptacle 10.

FIGS. 22-25 depict a further embodiment of a nozzle 1000 (also referredto as a coupling nozzle) with an example cleaning nozzle 1380 (alsoreferred to as a cleaning manifold) in accordance with the teachingsherein. In this embodiment, many of the elements of the nozzle 1000 areidentical or substantially similar to previously-described correspondingelements of the nozzle 100 (e.g., a flow body 1300 and a lockingmechanism 1800 of the nozzle 1000 are identical or substantially similarto the flow body 300 and the locking mechanism 800 of the nozzle 100,respectively), and those elements will not be described in furtherdetail below. Other elements of the nozzle 1000 are identical orsubstantially similar to previously-described corresponding elements ofthe nozzle 100 except for differences disclosed below. Further, in someexamples, elements not depicted in these figures are identical orsubstantially similar to the prior description.

For example, the nozzle 1000 of FIGS. 22-25 includes the flow body 1300.Cryogenic fluid is configured to flow into the conduit via an inlet 1311and out of the conduit via an outlet. The flow body 1300 is configuredto slidably extend through a mounting ring 1420. A pneumatic cylinderincludes a cylinder body that is fixedly positioned relative to themounting ring 1420 and a shaft that is configured to slide between anextended position and a contracted position. The shaft is coupled to andconfigured to actuate the flow body 1300. The locking mechanism 1800(also referred to as a first locking mechanism) is coupled to themounting ring 1420 and is configured to secure the nozzle 1000 to thereceptacle 10. Further, the inlet of the conduit is fluidly coupled tothe receptacle 10 when the locking mechanism 1800 has secured the nozzle1000 to the receptacle 10. The nozzle 1000 also includes a flow controlassembly that is identical and/or substantially similar to the flowcontrol assembly 335, the flow control assembly 3335, and/or the flowcontrol assembly 4335.

Returning to the figures of the further embodiment, FIG. 22 is a cutawayside view of the cleaning nozzle 1380 integrated with the coupling end1330 of the nozzle 1000, FIG. 23 is a front view of the cleaning nozzle1380 integrated with the coupling end 1330 of the nozzle 1000, FIG. 24is a side view of the cleaning nozzle 1380, and FIG. 25 is a front viewof the cleaning nozzle 1380.

In FIG. 22, a stem 1351 extends beyond the flow body 1300 of the nozzle1000. The seal 1331 extends circumferentially around the flow body 1300adjacent the inlet 1311 to fluidly seal the connection between thenozzle 1000 and the receptacle 10. For example, the flow body 1300defines a groove 1333 in which a mechanical wiper 1332 rests in arecessed manner. The mechanical wiper 1332 is positioned between theseal 1331 and an end of the flow body 1300 and is configured to wipe aportion of the receptacle 10 before that portion of the receptacle 10engages the seal 331. The mechanical wiper 1332 is positionedcircumferentially around the flow body 1300 adjacent the inlet 1311 toprevent dirt and/or other material from loosening a sealed engagementbetween the receptacle 10 and the seal 1331. Further, the cleaningnozzle 1380 is configured to blow pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurizedinstrument air) onto the receptacle 10. The cleaning nozzle 1380 isconfigured to emit the pressurized fluid to dry the receptacle 10 and/orto clean the receptacle 10 of dirt and/or other material before thenozzle 10000 is secured to the receptacle 10. For example, the cleaningnozzle 1380 dries the receptacle 10 to remove water from the receptacle10 and, thus, prevent and/or deter freezing issues (e.g., the receptacle10 freezing in place and/or to the nozzle 1000).

That is, in the illustrated example, the nozzle 1000 includes both themechanical wiper 1332 and the cleaning nozzle 1380 to remove dirt and/orother material prior to sealingly coupling the nozzle 1000 and thereceptacle 10. In other examples, the nozzle 1000 may include more orless cleaning mechanism(s) configured to dry and/or remove substance(s)from between the nozzle 1000 and the receptacle 10. For example, thenozzle 1000 may include the mechanical wiper 1332 without the cleaningnozzle 1380, the cleaning nozzle 1380 without the mechanical wiper 1332,and/or other cleaning mechanism(s).

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the cleaning nozzle 1380 is adjacent theinlet 1311 of the flow body 1300 and includes a frame 1381, one or morespouts 1382, and an inlet body 1383. The frame 1381 of the cleaningnozzle 1380 is coupled to a bushing 1430, which is coupled to themounting ring 1420 adjacent a proximal end of the locking mechanism1800, to securely position the cleaning nozzle 1380 within the nozzle1000. In the illustrated example, the proximal end of the lockingmechanism 1800 that is adjacent the mounting ring 1420 is coupled to themounting ring 1420. The spouts 1382 are arranged to blow the pressurizedfluid (e.g., pressurized instrument air) onto the receptacle 10 to cleanthe receptacle 10 of dirt and/or other material prior to the coupling ofthe nozzle 1000 to the receptacle 10. For example, the spouts 1382extend from the frame 1381 and toward the inlet 1311 of the nozzle 1000to enable the spouts 1382 to emit and/or spray pressurized air onto thereceptacle 10. Further, the inlet body 1383 of the cleaning nozzle 1380is configured to fluidly connect to a pressurized air supply. The inletbody 1383 is configured to receive a connector 1384 of the air supply tofluidly connect the cleaning nozzle 1380 to the air supply. For example,the inlet body 1383 and the connector 1384 include threads (e.g., femalethreads and male threads, respectively) to facilitate the operator 6 inquickly connecting and disconnecting the cleaning nozzle 1380 to andfrom the air supply. In the illustrated example, the inlet body 1383 andthe connector 1384 include ⅛ inch American National Pipe Threads (NPT)for threadably coupling together.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the bushing 1430 is configured to enable thespouts 1382 to extend toward the inlet 1311 of the nozzle 1000. Forexample, the bushing 1430 is shaped to define one or more cutouts 1385that align with the spouts 1382 of the cleaning nozzle 1380 to enablethe spouts 1382 to extend toward the inlet 1311. In other examples, thebushing 1430 is sized and/or shaped to define other feature(s) (e.g.,slots, apertures, notches, etc.) to enable the spouts 1382 to extendtoward the inlet 1311.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24-25, the cleaning nozzle 1380 includes tubing1386 that fluidly connects the spouts 1382 to the inlet body 1383. Thetubing 1386 and the spouts 1382 are mechanically coupled to the frame1381 of the cleaning nozzle 1380 to fluidly couple to each other. Forexample, the tubing 1386 and/or the spouts 1382 are fixedly coupled tothe frame 1381 via tig welding, brazing, etc. In the illustratedexample, the tubing 1386 is bent or curved such that an angle of about135 degrees is formed between the inlet body 1383 and the frame 1381.

In the illustrated example, the frame 1381 includes opposing arms 1387.Each of the arms 1387 defines one or more apertures 1388 (e.g., twoapertures) through which fasteners extend to couple the frame 1381 tothe bushing 1430. A plurality of the spouts 1382 (e.g., two) are coupledto a respective one of the arms 1387 in a configuration that enables thespouts 1382 to emit and/or spray pressurized air onto the receptacle 10.Each of the tubing 1386 is coupled to the a respective one of the arms1387 to enable pressurized air to be distributed to the spouts 1382 fromthe air supply. For example, in FIG. 24, each of the arms 1387 (i)defines two of the apertures 1388, (ii) couples to two of the spouts1382, and (iii) couples to one of the tubing 1386.

Additionally, in the illustrated example, the spouts 1382 are angledinward toward a center axis of the cleaning nozzle 1380 to facilitatethe spouts 1382 in blowing pressurized air onto the receptacle 10 in amanner that dries the receptacle 10 and/or cleans the receptacle 10 ofdirt and/or other material. For example, in FIG. 25, each of the spouts1382 includes a distal tip that is angled (e.g., bent or curved) inwardtoward the center axis of the cleaning nozzle 1380.

FIGS. 26-31 depict a further embodiment of a nozzle 2000 (also referredto as a coupling nozzle) with a different locking mechanism 2800 forlocking the nozzle 2000 to the receptacle 10. In this embodiment, manyof the elements of the nozzle 2000 are identical or substantiallysimilar to previously-described corresponding elements of the nozzle 100(e.g., an end cover 2400 of the nozzle 2000 is identical orsubstantially similar to the end cover 400 of the nozzle 100) and/or thenozzle 1000, and those elements will not be described in further detailbelow. Other elements of the nozzle 1000 are identical or substantiallysimilar to previously-described corresponding elements of the nozzle 100and/or the nozzle 1000 except for differences disclosed below.Additionally, the location of a flow body 2300 in FIGS. 26-31 ismodified relative to that of the flow body 300 of the nozzle 100.Further, in some examples, elements not depicted in these figures areidentical or substantially similar to the prior description.

For example, the nozzle 2000 of FIGS. 26-31 includes the flow body 2300that defines a conduit 2310, an inlet 2311, and an outlet 2312.Cryogenic fluid is configured to flow into the conduit 2310 via theinlet 2311 and out of the conduit 2310 via the outlet 2312. The nozzle2000 also includes a mounting ring 2420 through which the flow body 2300slidably extends. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body that isfixedly positioned relative to the mounting ring 2420 and a shaft thatis configured to slide between an extended position and a contractedposition. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flowbody 2300. The locking mechanism 2800 (also referred to as a firstlocking mechanism) is coupled to the mounting ring 2420 and isconfigured to secure the nozzle 2000 to the receptacle 10. Further, theinlet 2311 of the conduit 2310 is fluidly coupled to the receptacle 10when the locking mechanism 2800 has secured the nozzle 2000 to thereceptacle 10. A flow control assembly 2335 is identical and/orsubstantially similar to the flow control assembly, the flow controlassembly 3335, and/or the flow control assembly 4335.

In this embodiment, the flow body 2300 defines the conduit 2310 with theinlet 2311 and the outlet 2312. A flow control assembly 2335 is at leastpartially disposed within the conduit 2310. A locking mechanism 2800comprises a rotating handle 2700 and a linkage assembly 2830. Thelinkage assembly 2830 includes linkages 2820 and moves flanges 2823 ofthe linkages 2820 to create the locking feature described above forconnecting the nozzle 2000 to the receptacle 10. The present embodimenteliminates the need for the pneumatic cylinder 600, and modifies theconfiguration of the rotating handle 2700 and the linkage assembly 2830.For example, the rotating handle 700 of the nozzle 100 is a secondaryfeature that is configured for moving the locking mechanism 800 in theevent of freezing, with the pneumatic cylinder 600 and its associatedcomponents used to perform the locking function. In this embodiment, therotating handle 2700 acts to move the locking mechanism 2800 between theunlocked position and the locked position, and cooperates with thelinkage assembly 2830 described below to retain the locking mechanism2800 in the locked position. FIGS. 26 and 28 show the locking mechanism2800 in the open or unlocked position, and FIGS. 27 and 29 depict thelocking mechanism 2800 in the locked position, connecting the nozzle2000 to the receptacle 10. Rotation of the rotating handle 2700 to theright, or in a clockwise direction, causes the locking mechanism 2800 toopen, whereas rotation of rotating handle 2700 to the left, or in acounterclockwise direction, causes the locking mechanism 2800 to assumethe locked position. The terms “left” and “right” herein are withreference to the perspective shown in these figures.

The rotating handle 2700 is rotatable about a first joint 2831 and isengaged to and rotates a first linkage 2832 by means of the first joint2831, which is engaged to a second linkage 2833 by means of a secondpivot joint 2834. The second linkage 2833 is engaged to a third linkage2836 by means of a pivot joint 2835. The third linkage 2836 istranslatable in a line parallel to the central axis of the nozzle 2000and thus causes the flanges 2823 to move from the locked to unlockedposition in a manner similar to that described above. When the rotatinghandle 2700 is rotated from, for example, the open position of FIG. 26in a counterclockwise direction, it will be understood that thirdlinkage 2836 will be pulled to the left, thereby causing the lockingfeature to engage. Similarly, when rotating handle 2700 is rotated fromthe locked position of FIG. 27 in a clockwise direction, it will beunderstood that the third linkage 2836 will move to the right, causingthe locking feature to disengage.

An over-center design is used to prevent locking mechanism 2800 frominadvertently unlocking due to, e.g., forces being placed on flanges2823 which are then translated to third linkage 2836. A stop 2837 isprovided in the linkage assembly 2830 and engaged to additionalstructure. The stop 2837 acts to limit movement of the first linkage2832 in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, it will be understood thatonce the linkage assembly 2830 reaches the position shown in FIG. 27,the third linkage 2836 cannot translate to the left to unlock theflanges 2823 from the receptacle 10, absent rotation of the rotatinghandle 2700. A catch or other physical structure may be installed in theassembly to prevent inadvertent movement of the rotating handle 2700.Note that minor variations in certain structures, such as thecomposition of the first linkage 2832, are depicted in the features.Such variations are not material to the disclosure herein. The mountingring 2420 for connecting additional features thereto, such as thelocking mechanism 2800, is shown spaced apart from and fixedlypositioned relative to the end cover 2400, which would eliminate orreduce the need for connecting components to the end cover 2400.

FIGS. 32-46 depict a further embodiment of a nozzle 3000 (also referredto as a coupling nozzle) in accordance with the teachings herein. Inthis embodiment, many of the elements of the nozzle 3000 are identicalor substantially similar to previously-described corresponding elementsof the nozzle 100 (e.g., an end cover 3400 of the nozzle 3000 isidentical or substantially similar to the end cover 400 of the nozzle100), the nozzle 1000, and/or the nozzle 2000 (e.g., a locking mechanism3800 of the nozzle 3000 is identical or substantially similar to thelocking mechanism 2800 of the nozzle 2000). In turn, those elements willnot be described in further detail below. Other elements of the nozzle3000 are identical or substantially similar to previously-describedcorresponding elements of the nozzle 100, the nozzle 1000, and/or thenozzle 2000 except for differences disclosed below. Further, in someexamples, elements not depicted in these figures are identical orsubstantially similar to the prior description.

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate the end cover 3400, a handle 3700, and othercomponents of the nozzle 3000. In particular, FIG. 32 depicts the endcover 3400, the handle 3700 in an unlocked position, and a sleeve 3200.Additionally, a fill hose 3252, a pneumatic hose 3253, and electricalconduit 3254 couple to and/or extend from the nozzle 3000. A casing 3251covers end portions of the fill hose 3252, the pneumatic hose 3253, andthe electrical conduit 3254 that couple to and/or extend from the nozzle3000. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, which depict the nozzle 3000 withoutthe sleeve 3200, the fill hose 3252 couples to a threaded end 3320 of aflow body 3300 of the nozzle 3000 to receive cryogenic fluid flowingthrough the conduit 3310 of the flow body 3300. Cryogenic fluid isconfigured to flow from the source tank 3 and to the fill tank 2 via thenozzle 3000 and the fill hose 3252. Additionally, the pneumatic hose3253 is configured to couple to piping 3530, which is coupled to apneumatic cylinder 3500. The pneumatic cylinder 3500 (e.g., a 1.5-inchdiameter pneumatic cylinder) receives pressurized fluid via thepneumatic hose 3253 and the piping 3530 to operatively control pressurewithin a conduit 3310 defined by the flow body 3300 for opening and/orclosing the nozzle 3000. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the conduit 3310includes an inlet 3311 and an outlet 3312 for cryogenic fluid flow.Further, the electrical conduit 3254 is configured to house electricalwiring 3255 for the nozzle 3000. For example, the electrical wiring 3255couples to a proximity sensor 3810 (FIGS. 45 and 46) and/or otherelectrical devices of the nozzle 3000.

Turning to FIG. 36, an example bundle 3250 disclosed herein isconfigured to securely assemble the fill hose 3252, the pneumatic hose3253, and the electrical conduit 3254 together in an insulated manner.That is, the bundle 3250 securely arranges the fill hose 3252, thepneumatic hose 3253, and the electrical conduit 3254 in a compact mannerthat facilitates easy and secure maneuvering. Additionally, the bundle3250 enables the operator 6 to safely hold the bundle 3250 withoutprotective gloves and protects the electrical wiring 3255 and thepneumatic hose 3253 from the extreme temperatures of the cryogenic fluidof the fill hose 3252.

In the illustrated example, the fill hose 3252 is composed of materialthat enables the transport cryogenic fluid (also referred to asliquefied natural gas (LNG)). For example, the fill hose 3252 is a LNGhose (e.g., a 1-inch diameter hose) formed from stainless steel that isbraided and/or corrugated. The pneumatic hose 3253 is composed ofmaterial that is capable of transporting pressurized fluid used foroperation of the pneumatic cylinder 3500. For example, the pneumatichose 3253 is a steel-braided pneumatic hose (e.g., a 1-inch diametersteel-braided hose). Additionally, the electrical conduit 3254 iscomposed of material that provides protection to the electrical wiring3255 housed in the electrical conduit 3254 from environmentalconditions. For example, the electrical conduit 3254 is a flexible metalconduit that is liquid-tight and extreme-temperature rated to insulatethe electrical wiring 3255 from liquid and a range of extremetemperatures.

The bundle 3250 also includes flexible insulating layers to (1) enablehandling without protective gloves, (2) insulate the pneumatic hose 3253and the electrical conduit 3254 from the fill hose 3252, and (3)facilitate easy and secure maneuvering of the bundle 3250. For example,the bundle 3250 includes a fill hose sleeve 3256, an inner sleeve 3257,and an outer sleeve 3258 to provide the flexible insulation.

The fill hose sleeve 3256 that fits over the fill hose 3252 such thatthe fill hose 3252 is disposed in the fill hose sleeve 3256. The fillhose sleeve 3256 is composed of flexible insulating material. Forexample, the fill hose sleeve 3256 is formed of polypropylene and a hasa thickness (e.g., about 1.4 millimeters) that permits flexing of thefill hose 3252. The fill hose sleeve 3256 covers the fill hose 3252 toprovide insulation that reduces exposure of the pneumatic hose 3253, theelectrical conduit 3254, and the operator 6 to the extremely coldtemperature of the cryogenic fluid flowing through the fill hose 3252.For example, the fill hose sleeve 3256 prevents the fill hose 3252 fromdirectly contacting the pneumatic hose 3253 and the electrical conduit3254. In turn, the fill hose sleeve 3256 facilitates operation of thepneumatic cylinder 3500 and the electrical wiring 3255, respectively.For example, the fill hose sleeve 3256 insulates the extremely coldcryogenic fluid of the fill hose 3252 from the pressurized fluid of thepneumatic hose 3253 to prevent the pressurized fluid from dropping intemperature and, in turn, affecting operation of the pneumatic cylinder3500. The fill hose sleeve 3256 insulates the extremely cold cryogenicfluid of the fill hose 3252 from the electrical wiring 3255 within theelectrical conduit to prevent the electrical wiring 3255 from droppingbelow its temperature rating (e.g., −40 degrees Fahrenheit).

The inner sleeve 3257 of the bundle 3250 is configured to cover andbundle together the fill hose 3252, the fill hose sleeve 3256, thepneumatic hose 3253, and the electrical wiring 3255. The inner sleeve3257 of the bundle 3250 is composed of material that bundles the fillhose 3252, the fill hose sleeve 3256, the pneumatic hose 3253, and theelectrical wiring 3255 closely together in a compact manner. In theillustrated example, the inner sleeve 3257 is a spiral sleeve thatfacilitates the bundling of the fill hose 3252, the fill hose sleeve3256, the pneumatic hose 3253, and the electrical wiring 3255. Forexample, the inner sleeve 3257 is a spiral sleeve made of polyethyleneand having a thickness of about 2.4 millimeters.

Additionally, the outer sleeve 3258 of the bundle 3250 is configured tocover the inner sleeve 3257 such that the outer sleeve 3258 fits overthe inner sleeve 3257, the fill hose 3252, the fill hose sleeve 3256,the pneumatic hose 3253, and the electrical wiring 3255. The outersleeve 3258 is composed of flexible insulating material. For example,the outer sleeve 3258 is formed of polypropylene and a has a thickness(e.g., about 1.4 millimeters) that permits flexing of the bundle 3250.The outer sleeve 3258 forms the outer surface of the bundle 3250 toprovide insulation that reduces exposure of the operator 6 to theextremely cold temperature of the cryogenic fluid flowing through thefill hose 3252 and, thus, enables the operator 6 to hold the bundle 3250without protective gloves.

Returning to FIGS. 33 and 34, the handle 3700 is depicted in a lockedposition. The nozzle 3000 is in the locked position when the lockingmechanism 3800 (also referred to as a first locking mechanism), which iscoupled to a mounting ring 3420, engages the receptacle 10 to fix thenozzle 3000 to the receptacle 10 during the transfer of cryogenic fluid.As illustrated in FIGS. 45-46, the nozzle 3000 includes a proximitysensor assembly 3816 that is configured to detect when the nozzle 3000is coupled to the receptacle 10 via the locking mechanism 3800.

The proximity sensor assembly 3816 includes a proximity sensor 3810, asensor shaft 3811, a sensor spring 3812, a sensor shaft plunger 3813, aspring wall 3814, and a supporting wall 3815. The proximity sensor 3810and the supporting wall 3815 are fixed to a surface of the nozzle 3000(e.g., an outer surface of the flow body 3300) and spaced apart fromeach other. The spring wall 3814 also is fixed to the surface of thenozzle 3000 and is positioned between the proximity sensor 3810 and thesupporting wall 3815. The sensor shaft 3811 extends through aperturesdefined by the supporting wall 3815 and the spring wall 3814. The sensorshaft 3811 is configured to slide along an axis that extends to theproximity sensor 3810 such that an end of the sensor shaft 3811 isconfigured to slide toward and away from the proximity sensor 3810.Additionally, the sensor shaft plunger 3813 is fixed to the sensor shaft3811. The sensor spring 3812 engages and is positioned between thespring wall 3814 and the sensor shaft plunger 3813. The sensor spring3812 is a compression spring that biases the sensor shaft 3811 toward arest position and compresses as the sensor shaft plunger 3813 fixed tothe sensor shaft 3811 slides toward the spring wall 3814.

FIG. 45 depicts the proximity sensor assembly 3816 when the nozzle 3000is decoupled form the receptacle 10. When the nozzle 3000 and thereceptacle 10 are decoupled, the sensor spring 3812 pushes the sensorshaft plunger 3813 away from the spring wall 3814. In turn, the end ofthe sensor shaft 3811 is slid to the rest position that is located awayfrom the proximity sensor 3810. When the sensor shaft 3811 is in therest position, the proximity sensor 3810 does not detect the presence ofthe end of the sensor shaft 3811 to detect that the nozzle 3000 isdecoupled from the receptacle 10. Additionally, FIG. 46 depicts theproximity sensor assembly 3816 when the nozzle 3000 is coupled to thereceptacle 10. When the nozzle 3000 and the receptacle 10 are coupledtogether, the receptacle 10 pushes the sensor shaft 3811 toward theproximity sensor 3810 and to an active position. When the sensor shaft3811 is in the active position, the proximity sensor 3810 detects thepresence of the end of the sensor shaft 3811 to detect that the nozzle3000 is coupled to the receptacle 10. That is, the proximity sensor 3810is configured to detect whether the nozzle 3000 is coupled to thereceptacle 10 by monitoring the end of the sensor shaft 3811.

The proximity sensor assembly 3816 is configured to consistently monitorthe location of the receptacle 10 relative to the nozzle 3000. Forexample, proximity sensors, such as the proximity sensor 3810, aresensitive to the ambient temperature and the type of material beingdetected. That is, the detection range of the proximity sensor 3810varies based on the material of the receptacle 10 and may be affected bythe cold temperature cryogenic fluid flowing through the receptacle 10.To enable the proximity sensor 3810 to consistently monitor receptaclesof different materials in different environments, the proximity sensor3810 is configured to monitor the presence of the receptacle 10indirectly via the sensor shaft 3811. In particular, the material of thesensor shaft 3811 is constant and does not change with differentreceptacles. Additionally, the proximity sensor assembly 3816 isconfigured to space the proximity sensor 3810 apart from the receptacle,thereby reducing the effect of the temperature of the receptacle 10 onthe proximity sensor 3810.

Returning to FIGS. 33 and 34, a frame 3540 extends between the mountingring 3420 and a cylinder body 3505 of the pneumatic cylinder 3500 suchthat the cylinder body 3505 is fixedly positioned relative to themounting ring 3420. A bushing 3430 also is fixedly positioned relativeto the mounting ring 3420. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the bushing 3430is coupled to the mounting ring 3420 via the frame 3540. As illustratedin FIG. 35, the bushing 3430 (e.g., a brass bushing) is coupled to themounting ring 3420 via fasteners 3431. Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 35, the bushing 3430 defines an opening 3432 through which the flowbody 3300 of the nozzle 3000 slidably extends. The bushing 3430 alsodefines one or more keyed slots 3433 that extend from the opening 3432.The keyed slots 3433 receive keyed fins 3390 that extend in alongitudinal direction along an exterior surface of the flow body 3300.The keyed slots 3433 receive the keyed fins 3390 to prevent the flowbody 3300 from rotating, thereby deterring the locking mechanism 3800from jamming and/or increasing the lifespan of seal(s) of the nozzle3000.

FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a flow control assembly 3335 of the nozzle 3000that is at least partially disposed within the conduit 3310 of the flowbody 3300. In particular, FIG. 37 depicts the flow control assembly 3335of the nozzle 3000 in a closed position when the pneumatic cylinder 3500is in the contracted position. A poppet 3340 includes a poppet body 3341that is hollow and defines openings 3343 through which cryogenic fluidis configured to flow when the nozzle 3000 is in the open position. Astem 3351 is coupled to the poppet body 3341. An end 3356 of the stem3351 opposite the poppet body 3341 extends beyond a plug 3344 of thepoppet 3340 and is configured to engage the stem 42 of the receptacle10. The stem 3351 and/or the poppet body 3341 at least partially definethe plug 3344 of the poppet 3340. The plug 3344 includes a seal 3345(e.g., an O-ring) that at least partially defines the plug 3344 and isconfigured to engage a seat 3360 (also referred to as the valve seat)when the nozzle 3000 is in the closed position to prevent cryogenicfluid from flowing through the flow body 3300. In the open position, theseal 3345 is disengaged from the seat 3360 to create a flow path betweenthe poppet 3340 and the seat 3360 that facilitates fluid flow throughthe flow body 3300 and into the fill tank 2. To enable the plug 3344 totransition between the closed position and the open position, a spring3342 is positioned between the poppet body 3341 and a step 3346 of theflow body 3300 to bias the plug 3344 toward the closed position.

As illustrated in FIG. 37, the seat 3360 includes a seat body 3362, aseal retainer 3363, and a seal 3331 (e.g., an O-ring). A mechanicalwiper 3332 also extends circumferentially around the seat 3360 adjacentthe inlet 3311. In the illustrated example, the seat body 3362 (e.g.,formed of brass) includes external threads and is threaded into positionwithin the conduit 3310 of the flow body 3300 via internal threads ofthe flow body 3300 adjacent the inlet 3311. That is, the seat body 3362is coupled to the flow body 3300 within the conduit 3310. The sealretainer 3363 (e.g., formed of brass) includes external threads and isconfigured to enclose the seat body 3362 within the conduit 3310 by atleast partially threadably extending into the conduit 3310. The seal3331 is positioned and retained between a flange 3364 of the sealretainer 3363 and an end of the flow body 3300 when the seal retainer3363 is at least partially threaded into the conduit 3310. The flange3364 of the illustrated example extends in an outwardly circumferentialdirection. The seat 3360 of the illustrated example is configured toenable the seal 3331 to be replaced without fully depressurizing thesystem 1. For example, to replace the seal 3331 without fullydepressurizing the system 1, the seal retainer 3363 is removed from theend of the flow body 3300 via the internal threads of the flow body 3300while the seat body 3362 remains coupled to the flow body 3300 withinthe conduit 3310. Subsequently, the seal 3331 is replaced with anotherseal, and the seal retainer 3363 is threaded back into place to retainthe seal 3331.

Turning to FIGS. 38 and 39, the poppet body 3341 and the stem 3351 aresealingly coupled together. That is, the poppet body 3341, the stem3351, and the seal 3345 are configured and arranged to prevent liquidfrom seeping between the poppet body 3341 and the stem 3351 andexpanding in a manner that deteriorates the seal 3345. To form a sealedcoupling, the stem 3351 defines a threaded blind hole 3357 thatthreadingly receives a threaded protrusion 3347 of the poppet body 3341.The threaded protrusion 3347 and the threaded blind hole 3357 enable thestem 3351 and the poppet body 3341 to form a tight connection with anegligible gap. Additionally, the seal 3345 is positioned along an outersurface between the stem 3351 and the poppet body 3341 to prevent liquidfrom seeping between the stem 3351 and the poppet body 3341.

During the fill process, the nozzle 3000 is initially in the closedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 37, with the receptacle 10. In theclosed position, the spring 3342 pushes the poppet 3340 to cause theseal 3345 of the plug 3344 to sealingly engage the seat 3360. To openthe poppet 3340 of the nozzle 3000, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 actuateslinearly to an extended position. As the pneumatic cylinder 3500actuates from the contracted position toward the extended position, ashaft 3520 of the pneumatic cylinder 3500 causes the flow body 3300 toactuate toward the seat 50 of the receptacle 10 within the conduit 91 ofthe receptacle 10. The pneumatic cylinder 3500 applies a force thatovercomes the combined force of the pressurized cryogenic fluid withinthe receptacle 10 and the spring 3342 acting on the poppet 3340. As aresult, the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 and the poppet 3340 of thenozzle 3000 transition to the open position to permit cryogenic fluid toflow from the source tank 3 to the fill tank 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34, the nozzle 3000 includes a redundantlocking mechanism 3840 that prevents the locking mechanism 3800 fromtransitioning from a locked position when the pneumatic cylinder 3500 isin the extended position and, thus, prevents the operator 6 fromdisconnecting the nozzle 3000 from the receptacle 10 while cryogenicfluid is flowing through the nozzle 3000 from the receptacle 10. FIGS.41 and 43 further depict the redundant locking mechanism 3840 in anunlocked position, and FIGS. 42 and 44 further depict the redundantlocking mechanism 3840 in a locked position. The redundant lockingmechanism 3840 is fixed to a mounting ring 3420 and operatively coupledto the pneumatic cylinder 3500.

The redundant locking mechanism 3840 is fixedly coupled to the mountingring 3420 of the nozzle and slidably coupled to the flow body 3300and/or an arm 3510, which is coupled to the shaft 3520 of the pneumaticcylinder 3500, via a pin-and-slot 3846. The shaft 3520 of the pneumaticcylinder 2500 is configured to slide between an extended position and acontracted position. In the illustrated example, the redundant lockingmechanism 3840 includes a first linkage 3841 (also referred to as afixed linkage), a second linkage 3842, a third linkage 3843 (alsoreferred to as an operating linkage), a first joint 3844, a second joint3845, and the pin-and-slot 3846. The first linkage 3841 is an L-shapedlinkage that is fixed to the mounting ring 3420. The second linkage 3842is hingedly coupled to the first linkage 3841 via the first joint 3844.That is, the second linkage 3842 is coupled to the mounting ring 3420via the first linkage 3841. Further, the first joint 3844 is coupled tothe second linkage 3842 between a proximal end and a distal end of thesecond linkage 3842. The distal end is configured to be positioned in aslot 3825 defined by the locking mechanism 3800 in the locked positionand out of the slot 3825 in the unlocked position. That is, the firstlinkage 382 enables the distal end of the second linkage 3842 to rotateinto and out of the slot 3825. Further, the slot 3825 is defined by thebushing 3430 such that the slot 3825 is fixedly positioned related tothe mounting ring 3420. Additionally, the third linkage 3843 is coupledto (1) the second linkage 3842 of the redundant locking mechanism 3840and (2) the flow body 3300 and/or the arm 3510 such that the secondlinkage 3842 is operatively coupled to the flow body 3300. For example,a first end of the third linkage 3843 is hingedly coupled to theproximal end of the second linkage 3842, and an opposing second end ofthe third linkage 3843 defines a pin slot 3847 of the pin-and-slot 3846.A pin 3848 of the pin-and-slot 3846 is coupled to the flow body 3300 andis received by the pin slot 3847 of the pin-and-slot 3846.

When the nozzle 3000 is in the closed position as a result of thepneumatic cylinder 3500 being in the contracted position, the thirdlinkage 3843, which is operatively coupled to the pneumatic cylinder3500 via the pin-and-slot 3846, causes the proximal end of the secondlinkage 3842 to be rotated out of and/or retracted away from the slot3825 defined by the locking mechanism 3800. In turn, the lockingmechanism 3800 is capable of transitioning from the locked position tothe unlocked position. That is, when the nozzle 3000 is in the closedposition, the redundant locking mechanism 3840 enables the operator 6 tounlock the locking mechanism 3800 via rotation of the handle 3700.

In contrast, when the locking mechanism 3800 is in the locked positionand the nozzle 3000 is in the open position, the third linkage 3843, viathe pin-and-slot 3846, causes the distal end of the second linkage 3842to rotate into and/or otherwise be positioned within the slot 3825defined by the locking mechanism 3800. That is, the second linkage 3842at least partially extends into the slot 3825 as the flow body 3300 ispushed forward by the pneumatic cylinder 3500. In turn, the lockingmechanism 3800 is unable to actuate from the locked position while thenozzle 3000 is in the open position. That is, when the nozzle 3000 is inthe open position to permit the transfer of cryogenic fluid, theredundant locking mechanism 3840 prevents the operator 6 from rotatingthe handle 3700 to unlock the locking mechanism 3800.

After the fill tank 2 has been filled, some cryogenic fluid may remaintrapped between the nozzle 3000 and the receptacle 10. As illustrated inFIG. 40, the nozzle 3000 is configured to enable the trapped cryogenicfluid to vent through vent holes 31 defined by the outer flanges 11and/or a flow body 30 of the receptacle 10. That is, components of thenozzle 3000 (e.g., flanges 3410 of the end cover 3400, the stem 3351,the seat 3360, linkages of 3820 the locking mechanism 3800) are shaped,sized, and arranged to not cover the vent holes 31 when the nozzle 3000is coupled to the receptacle 10.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart for filling a tank (e.g., the fill tank 2) withcryogenic fluid utilizing the nozzle 3000 of FIGS. 32-46 in accordancewith the teachings herein. At block 3902, the operator 6 aligns thenozzle 3000 with the receptacle 10. For example, the operator 6 alignsslots (e.g., the slots 411) of the end cover 3400 of the nozzle 3000with bearings (e.g., the bearings 20) of the receptacle 10. At block3904, the operator 6 locks the nozzle 3000 to the receptacle 10 via thehandle 3700. In some examples, prior to locking the nozzle 3000 to thereceptacle 10, the operator 6 removes dirt and/or other substance(s)from and/or dries the receptacle 10 and/or the nozzle 3000 via acleaning mechanism (e.g., the cleaning nozzle 1380) to facilitate asealed engagement between the nozzle 3000 and the receptacle 10.

At block 3906, the operator 6 presses a button to set the pneumaticcylinder 3500 to move toward the extended position. In some examples,the nozzle 3000 includes proximity sensors, such as the proximity sensor3810, to detect the position of the locking mechanism 3800. In suchexamples, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 does not move toward the extendedposition if the proximity sensor 3810 detects that the locking mechanism3800 is not in the locked position.

At block 3908, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 pushes the flow body 3300 ofthe nozzle 3000 to the open position at which the poppet 3340 of thenozzle 3000 and the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 are open. At block3910, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 also pushes the redundant lockingmechanism 3840 to the closed position to prevent the operator 6 fromdisconnecting the nozzle 3000 from the receptacle 10. At block 3912,when the poppet 3340 and the poppet 40 are open, cryogenic fluid flowsfrom the source tank 3 to the fill tank 2 through the receptacle 10 andthe nozzle 3000.

At block 3914, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 causes the nozzle 3000 andthe receptacle 10 to return to the closed position to stop the fluidflow between the source tank 3 and the fill tank 2. In some examples, anelectrical circuit of the system 1 detects when the fill tank 2 is fulland subsequently causes a return to the closed position. In someexamples, the operator 6 presses a button to cause a return to theclosed position. At block 3916, as the pneumatic cylinder 3500 retractsto the contracted position, the pneumatic cylinder 3500 releases theredundant locking mechanism 3840 from the locked position.

At block 3918, cryogenic fluid that remains caught between the nozzle3000 and the receptacle 10 is vented through the vent holes 31 of thereceptacle 10. At block 3920, the operator 6 unlocks the lockingmechanism 3800 of the nozzle 3000 from the receptacle 10 via the handle3700. At block 3922, the operator 6 decouples the nozzle 3000 from thereceptacle 10.

FIGS. 48-56 depict a further embodiment of a nozzle 4000 (also referredto as a coupling nozzle) in accordance with the teachings herein. Inthis embodiment, many of the elements of the nozzle 4000 are identicalor substantially similar to previously-described corresponding elementsof the nozzle 100 (e.g., an end cover 4400 of the nozzle 4000 isidentical or substantially similar to the end cover 400 of the nozzle100), the nozzle 1000, the nozzle 2000, and/or the nozzle 3000. In turn,those elements will not be described in further detail below. Otherelements of the nozzle 4000 are identical or substantially similar topreviously-described corresponding elements of the nozzle 100, thenozzle 1000, the nozzle 2000, and/or the nozzle 3000 except fordifferences disclosed below. Further, in some examples, elements notdepicted in these figures are identical or substantially similar to theprior description.

FIGS. 48-49 depict the nozzle 4000 without its sleeve (e.g., the sleeve3200). As illustrated, the nozzle 4000 includes the end cover 4400, ahandle 4700, and a locking mechanism 4800 (also referred to as a firstlocking mechanism). In FIGS. 48-49, the handle 4700 is in a lockedposition that causes the locking mechanism 4800 to engage the receptacle10 and fix the nozzle 4000 to the receptacle 10 for the transfer ofcryogenic fluid. Additionally, a fill hose 4252 and a pneumatic hose4253 couple to and/or extend from the nozzle 4000. The fill hose 4252couples to a threaded end 4320 of a flow body 4300 of the nozzle 4000.Cryogenic fluid is configured to flow from the source tank 3 and to thefill tank 2 via the nozzle 4000 and the fill hose 4252. Additionally,the pneumatic hose 4253 is configured to couple to piping 4530, which iscoupled to a pneumatic cylinder 4500. The pneumatic cylinder 4500 (e.g.,a 2-inch diameter pneumatic cylinder) receives pressurized fluid via thepneumatic hose 4253 and the piping 4530 to operatively control pressurewithin a conduit 4310 defined by the flow body 4300 for opening and/orclosing the nozzle 4000. The conduit 4310 includes an inlet 4311 and anoutlet 4312 for cryogenic fluid flow.

FIG. 48 also illustrates a bundle 4250 that is configured to securelyassemble the fill hose 4252 and the pneumatic hose 4253 together in aninsulated manner. The fill hose 4252 and the pneumatic hose 4253 arebundled together without an electrical conduit (e.g., the electricalconduit 3254) since the nozzle 4000 of the illustrated example does notinclude electrical components controlled via electrical wiring. Thebundle 4250 securely arranges the fill hose 4252 and the pneumatic hose4253 in a compact manner that facilitates easy and secure maneuvering.Additionally, the bundle 4250 enables the operator 6 to safely hold thebundle 4250 without protective gloves and protects the pneumatic hose4253 from the extreme temperatures of the cryogenic fluid of the fillhose 4252.

In the illustrated example, the fill hose 4252 is composed of materialthat enables the transport cryogenic fluid (also referred to asliquefied natural gas (LNG)). For example, the fill hose 4252 is a LNGhose (e.g., a 1-inch diameter hose) formed from stainless steel that isbraided and/or corrugated. The pneumatic hose 4253 is composed ofmaterial that is capable of transporting pressurized fluid used foroperation of the pneumatic cylinder 4500. For example, the pneumatichose 4253 is a steel-braided pneumatic hose (e.g., a 1-inch diametersteel-braided hose). The bundle 4250 also includes flexible insulatinglayers to enable handling without protective gloves, insulate thepneumatic hose 4253 from the fill hose 4252, and facilitate easy andsecure maneuvering of the bundle 4250. For example, the bundle 4250includes a fill hose sleeve (e.g., the fill hose sleeve 3256), an innersleeve (e.g., the inner sleeve 3257), and an outer sleeve (e.g., theouter sleeve 3258) to provide the flexible insulation. The fill hosesleeve is configured to fit over the fill hose 4252. The inner sleeve isconfigured to cover and bundle together the fill hose 4252, the fillhose sleeve, and the pneumatic hose 4253. The outer sleeve is configuredto cover the inner sleeve.

FIG. 50 illustrates a flow control assembly 4335 of the nozzle 4000 thatis at least partially disposed within the conduit 4310 of the flow body4300. In particular, FIG. 50 depicts the flow control assembly 4335 ofthe nozzle 4000 in a closed position when a shaft 4520 of the pneumaticcylinder 4500 is in a contracted position. A poppet 4340 includes apoppet body 4341 that is hollow and defines openings 4343 through whichcryogenic fluid is configured to flow when the nozzle 4000 is in theopen position. A stem 4351 is coupled to the poppet body 4341. An end4356 of the stem 4351 opposite the poppet body 4341 extends beyond aplug 4344 of the poppet 4340 and is configured to engage the stem 42 ofthe receptacle 10. The stem 4351 and/or the poppet body 4341 at leastpartially define the plug 4344 of the poppet 4340. The plug 4344includes a seal 4354 that is configured to engage a seat 4360 (alsoreferred to as the valve seat) when the nozzle 4000 is in the closedposition to prevent cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body4300. In the open position, the seal 4354 is disengaged from the seat4360 to create a flow path between the poppet 4340 and the seat 4360that facilitates fluid flow through the flow body 4300 and into the filltank 2. To enable the plug 4344 to transition between the closedposition and the open position, a spring 4342 is positioned between thepoppet body 4341 and a step 4346 of a flow body 4300.

In the illustrated example, the seat 4360 includes a seat body 4362 anda seal 4331. The seat body 4362 (e.g., formed of brass) is threaded intoposition within the conduit 4310 of the flow body 4300. The seal 4331 ispositioned between a flange adjacent an end of the seat body 4362 and anend of the flow body 4300 when the seat body 4362 is at least partiallythreaded into the conduit 4310. Additionally, a mechanical wiper 4332extends circumferentially around the seat 4360 adjacent the inlet 4311.

The poppet body 4341, the stem 4351, and the seal 4354 of theillustrated example are configured to sealingly couple together toprevent liquid from seeping between the poppet body 4341 and the stem4351 and expanding in a manner that deteriorates the seal 4354. To forma sealed coupling, the stem 4351 defines a threaded blind hole 4357 thatthreadingly receives a threaded protrusion 4347 of the poppet body 4341.The threaded protrusion 4347 and the threaded blind hole 4357 enable thestem 4351 and the poppet body 4341 to form a tight connection with anegligible gap. The seal 4354 is positioned along an outer surfacebetween the stem 4351 and the poppet body 4341 to prevent liquid fromseeping between the stem 4351 and the poppet body 4341.

Additionally, the threaded protrusion 4347 of the poppet body 4341defines a fluid pathway 4358. That is, the poppet body 4341 defines thefluid pathway 4358 to extend through the threaded protrusion 4347. Whenthe stem 4351 is coupled to the poppet body 4341, the fluid pathway 4358fluidly connects the blind hole 4357 to other portions of the conduit4310 through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow. In turn, the blindhole 4357 forms a vent for any cryogenic fluid that may seep between thestem 4351 and the poppet body 4341 and into the blind hole 4357, therebypreventing any such liquid from becoming trapped within the blind hole4357 and expanding in a manner that deteriorates the seal 4354.

During the fill process, the nozzle 4000 is initially in the closedposition with the receptacle 10. In the closed position as illustratedin FIG. 50, the spring 4342 pushes the poppet 4340 to cause the seal4354 of the plug 4344 to sealingly engage the seat 4360. To open thepoppet 4340 of the nozzle 4000, the pneumatic cylinder 4500 actuateslinearly to an extended position. As the pneumatic cylinder 4500actuates from the contracted position toward the extended position, theshaft 4520 of the pneumatic cylinder 4500 pushes the flow body 4300 toactuate toward the seat 50 of the receptacle 10 within the conduit 91 ofthe receptacle 10. The pneumatic cylinder 4500 applies a force thatovercomes the combined force of the pressurized cryogenic fluid withinthe receptacle 10 and the spring 4342 acting on the poppet 4340. As aresult, the poppet 40 of the receptacle 10 and the poppet 4340 of thenozzle 4000 transition to the open position to permit cryogenic fluid toflow from the source tank 3 to the fill tank 2.

Returning to FIGS. 48-49, the nozzle 4000 includes a redundant lockingmechanism 4840 that prevents the operator 6 from disconnecting thenozzle 4000 from the receptacle 10 while cryogenic is flowing throughthe nozzle 4000 from the receptacle 10. FIGS. 51-56 further depict theredundant locking mechanism 4840.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a lock 4841 of the redundant lockingmechanism 4840. The lock 4841 includes a base 4842 and opposing arms4843. The base 4842 defines a through hole 4844 that extends between afront surface and back surface of the lock 4841. Further, the arms 4843extend from respective sides of the base 4842 in opposing directions. Inthe illustrated example, each of the arms 4843 extends in a directionthat is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the through hole 4844.

FIGS. 52-53 depict the redundant locking mechanism 4840, including thelock 4841, of the nozzle 4000. More specifically, FIGS. 52-53 depict theredundant locking mechanism 4840 when the locking mechanism 4800 is in alocked position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 52-53, the nozzle 4000 includes a frame 4540.The frame 4540 is configured to fixedly position a cylinder body 4505 ofthe pneumatic cylinder 4500 to the mounting ring 4420 of the nozzle4000. In the illustrated example, the frame 4540 includes opposing beams4541 that extend from the pneumatic cylinder 4500 to the mounting ring4420. That is, the beams 4541 are spaced apart from each other to createan area through which the arm 4510 and the shaft 4520 slidably extendbetween an extended position and a contracted position. For example, theshaft 4520 of the pneumatic cylinder 4500 and the arm 4510 coupled tothe shaft 4520 are positioned between and extend substantially parallelto the beams 4541 of the frame 4540. The frame 4540 also includes aframe support 4542 that is coupled to and extends between each of thebeams 4541. In the illustrated example, the frame support issubstantially perpendicular to the beams 4541 of the frame 4540. Theframe support 4542 is coupled to the beams 4541 between the ends of thebeams 4541 to limit and/or reduce flexing of middle portions of thebeams 4541 as force(s) are applied to the frame 4540. Further, the framesupport 4542 defines an opening through which the arm 4510 and/or theshaft 4520 slidably extend.

The lock 4841 of the illustrated example is coupled to the arm 4510,which extends between the shaft 4520 and the flow body 4300 to couplethe shaft 4520 to the flow body 4300, such that the lock 4841 slideswith the shaft 4520 as the pneumatic cylinder 4500 transitions betweenthe retracted and extended positions. The through hole 4844 of the lock4841 receives the arm 4510 to couple the lock 4841 to the arm 4510. Inother examples, the lock 4841 may be coupled to the shaft 4520 of thepneumatic cylinder 4500. In the illustrated example, the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 also includes stoppers 4543 that are locatedadjacent to the arms 4843 of the lock 4841. Each of stoppers 4543 arecoupled to an inner surface and/or portion of a respective one of thebeams 4541 opposite to each other. When coupled to the beams 4541 insuch a manner, the stoppers 4543 extend inwardly toward the arm 4510such that each of the stoppers 4543 extends over a respective one of thearms 4843 of the lock 4841. Further, in some examples, each of the beams4541 extends over a respective one of the arms 4843 of the lock 4841.The stoppers 4543 and/or the beams 4541 are configured to engage thearms 4843 to prevent the lock 4841 from rotating about the arm 4510(e.g., when a force is applied to one or more of the arms 4843 of thelock 4841). For example, each of the stoppers 4543 engages a top surfaceof a respective one of the arms 4843 to prevent the lock 4841 fromrotating. Additionally, the stoppers 4543 of the illustrated examplehave a length sufficient to cover the stroke length of the pneumaticcylinder 4500 such that the stoppers 4543 engage the arms 4843 of thelock 4841 at each stroke position of the pneumatic cylinder 4500.

The redundant locking mechanism 4840 also includes one or more feet 4845that are coupled to a linkage assembly 4830 of the locking mechanism4800. For example, the linkage assembly 4830 is configured to transitionthe locking mechanism 4800 between the unlocked and locked positions.Further, each of the feet 4845 are coupled to a corresponding one of afirst linkage 4832, a second linkage 4833, and/or a pivot joint 4834 ofthe linkage assembly 4830 such that the feet 4845 move as the lockingmechanism 4800 transitions between the locked and unlocked positions. Inthe illustrated example, each of feet 4845 is integrally formed with arespective pivot joint 4834. The feet 4845 are configured to engage thelock 4841 to limit movement of the locking mechanism 4800 when thenozzle 4000 is in the open position. That is, when the nozzle 4000 isattached to the receptacle 10 and the pneumatic cylinder 4500 is in theextended position to place the nozzle 4000 in the open position, thefeet 4845 of the redundant locking mechanism 4840 are configured toengage the lock 4841 in a manner that limits and/or blocks movement ofthe linkage assembly 4830 of the locking mechanism 4800. In turn, theoperator 6 is prevented from unlocking the locking mechanism 4800 viathe handle 4700 and subsequently disconnecting the nozzle 4000 from thereceptacle 10 while cryogenic fluid flows through the nozzle 4000.

For example, FIG. 52 depicts the locking mechanism 4800 and theredundant locking mechanism 4840 in the locked position when the handle4700 is fully rotated in a direction toward the front of the nozzle4000. FIG. 53 depicts the locking mechanism 4800 and the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 in the locked position as a user attempts torotate the handle 4700 back toward the unlocked position. As illustratedin FIG. 53, when the locking mechanism 4800 is in the locked positionand the pneumatic cylinder 4500 is in the extended position to place thenozzle 4000 to the open position, the lock 4841 coupled to the arm 4510is positioned near and/or proximate to (e.g., under) the feet 4845coupled to the linkage assembly 4830 in such a manner that the feet 4845engage the lock 4841 when the handle 4700 is rotated in a directiontoward the open position. In turn, the lock 4841 blocks further movementof the linkage assembly 4830 of the locking mechanism 4800, therebypreventing further rotation of the handle 4700 to maintain the lockingmechanism 4800 in the locked position while the pneumatic cylinder 4500remains in the extended position.

When the pneumatic cylinder 4500 retracts to the contracted position toclose the nozzle 4000, the lock 4841 coupled to the arm 4510 moves awayfrom and disengages the feet 4845 coupled to the linkage assembly 4830by a distance that enables further movement of the linkage assembly4830. That is, when the pneumatic cylinder 4500 retracts to close thenozzle 4000, the redundant locking mechanism 4840 unlocks to enable thelocking mechanism 4800 mechanism to unlock and, in turn, enable thenozzle 4000 to be disconnected from the receptacle 10.

FIGS. 54-56 further depict the redundant locking mechanism 4840transitioning from the locked position to the unlocked position. FIG. 54depicts the redundant locking mechanism 4840 immediately after thepneumatic cylinder 4500 has retracted to the contracted position. Whenthe pneumatic cylinder 4500 retracts, the spring 4342 provides a biasingforce that temporarily prevents the lock 4841 coupled to the arm 4510from fully retracting. As illustrated in FIG. 55, the biasing force ofthe spring 4342 prevents the lock 4841 from retracting to position thatenables the feet 4845 to clear the lock 4841 and, thus, prevents theredundant locking mechanism 4840 from transitioning fully to theunlocked position that enables the locking mechanism 4800 to beunlocked.

To overcome the biasing force of the spring 4342, each of the feet 4845includes a convex curved surface 4846 that is configured to engage thearms 4843 of the lock 4841. When the redundant locking mechanism 4840 isin the locked position, the feet 4845 are positioned over the lock 4841in such a manner that the lock 4841 contacts a portion of the feet 4845that prevents further movement of the feet 4845 from the lockedposition. When the pneumatic cylinder 4500 has retracted and the spring4342 prevents the lock 4841 from fully retracting, the feet 4845 extendonly partially over the lock 4841 in such a manner that the lock 4841contacts a portion of the curved surface 4846 of each of the feet 4845.The curved surface 4846 enables the feet 4845 to slide along the lock4841 when a force is applied to the feet 4845 (e.g., via rotation of thehandle 4700) to facilitate further movement of the locking mechanism4800. As the curved surface 4846 of the feet 4845 slide along the lock4841, the feet 4845 also apply a force to the lock 4841 to overcome thebiasing force of the spring 4342 and push the lock 4841 to the fullycontracted position to further facilitate movement of the lockingmechanism 4800 to the unlocked position.

That is, after the pneumatic cylinder 4500 retracts, the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 and the locking mechanism 4800 returns to theunlocked position after the operator 6 rotates the handle 4700 towardthe unlocked position to cause the curved surface 4846 of each of thefeet 4845 to push the lock 4841 back to a fully contracted position.FIG. 56 depicts the redundant locking mechanism 4840 as the feet 4845overcome the biasing force of the spring 4342 to return the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 and the locking mechanism 4800 to the unlockedposition.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart for filling a tank (e.g., the fill tank 2) withcryogenic fluid utilizing the nozzle 4000 of FIGS. 48-56 in accordancewith the teachings herein. At block 4902, the operator 6 aligns thenozzle 4000 with the receptacle 10. For example, the operator 6 alignsslots (e.g., the slots 411) of the end cover 4400 of the nozzle 4000with bearings (e.g., the bearings 20) of the receptacle 10. At block4904, the operator 6 locks the nozzle 4000 to the receptacle 10 via thehandle 4700. In some examples, prior to locking the nozzle 4000 to thereceptacle 10, the operator 6 removes dirt and/or other substance(s)from and/or dries the receptacle 10 and/or the nozzle 4000 via acleaning mechanism (e.g., the cleaning nozzle 1380) to facilitate asealed engagement between the nozzle 4000 and the receptacle 10.

At block 4906, the operator 6 presses a button to set the pneumaticcylinder 4500 to move toward the extended position. At block 4908, thepneumatic cylinder 4500 pushes the flow body 4300 of the nozzle 4000 atleast partially through a bushing 4430 and the mounting ring 4420 to theopen position at which the poppet 4340 of the nozzle 4000 and the poppet40 of the receptacle 10 are open. At block 4910, the pneumatic cylinder4500 also pushes the redundant locking mechanism 4840 to the closedposition to prevent the operator 6 from disconnecting the nozzle 4000from the receptacle 10. At block 4912, when the poppet 4340 and thepoppet 40 are open, cryogenic fluid flows from the source tank 3 to thefill tank 2 through the receptacle 10 and the nozzle 4000.

At block 4914, the pneumatic cylinder 4500 causes the nozzle 4000 andthe receptacle 10 to return to the closed position to stop the fluidflow between the source tank 3 and the fill tank 2. In some examples,the operator 6 presses a button to cause a return to the closedposition. At block 4916, as the pneumatic cylinder 4500 retracts to thecontracted position, the pneumatic cylinder 4500 releases the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 from the locked position to a partially-unlockedposition.

At block 4918, cryogenic fluid that remains caught between the nozzle4000 and the receptacle 10 is vented through the vent holes 31 of thereceptacle 10. At block 4920, the operator 6 pushes the redundantlocking mechanism 4840 to the (fully) unlocked position by rotating thehandle 4700. At block 4922, the operator 6 unlocks the locking mechanism4800 of the nozzle 4000 from the receptacle 10 by further rotating thehandle 4700. At block 4924, the operator 6 decouples the nozzle 4000from the receptacle 10.

An example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flow comprises a flowbody defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. The flow body isconfigured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into the conduit via theinlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. The coupling nozzle alsocomprises a mounting ring through which the flow body slidably extendsand a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a cylinderbody fixedly positioned relative to the mounting ring and a shaftconfigured to slide between an extended position and a contractedposition. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flowbody. The coupling nozzle also comprises a first locking mechanismcoupled to the mounting ring and configured to secure the couplingnozzle to a receptacle. The inlet of the conduit is fluidly coupled tothe receptacle when the first locking mechanism has secured the couplingnozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle also comprises a flowcontrol assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flowbody. The flow control assembly comprises a valve seat fixed to the flowbody adjacent the inlet and a plug configured to slide between a closedposition and an open position. The plug is configured to engage thevalve seat in the closed position to prevent cryogenic fluid fromflowing through the flow body and disengage the valve seat in the openposition to enable the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body.The flow control assembly also comprises a stem extending beyond theplug. The stem is configured to engage a receptacle stem of thereceptacle when the first locking mechanism is locked to the receptacle.When the first locking mechanism is locked to the receptacle and thepneumatic cylinder actuates from the contracted position to the extendedposition, the shaft is configured to cause the valve seat fixed to theflow body to move relative to and disengage from the plug to open theflow control assembly. When the first locking mechanism is locked to thereceptacle and the pneumatic cylinder actuates from the extendedposition to the contracted position, the shaft is configured to causethe valve seat fixed to the flow body to move relative to and engage theplug to close the flow control assembly.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a redundant locking mechanism that is configured to preventthe first locking mechanism from transitioning from a locked positionwhen the pneumatic cylinder is in the extended position.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a linear actuator and a rotating handle that are configured toactuate the first locking mechanism between an unlocked position and alocked position. The linear actuator and the rotating handle areoperatively parallel to each other such that the first locking mechanismactuates when the linear actuator or the rotating handle actuates.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the fluid control assembly furthercomprises an inner poppet configured to equalize pressure within theconduit of the flow body and an outer poppet configured to control theflow of the cryogenic fluid through the conduit when the pressure withinthe conduit is equalized.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the valve seat assembly furthercomprises a poppet body coupled to the stem, wherein the poppet body andthe stem at least partially define the plug when coupled together.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the stem defines a blindhole and the poppet body comprises a protrusion that is received by theblind hole for coupling the poppet body to the stem.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the valve seat comprises a seatbody coupled to the flow body within the conduit, a seal retainerenclosing the seat body within the conduit by at least partiallyextending into the conduit, and a seal positioned between the sealretainer and an end of the flow body adjacent the inlet.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises an end cover that includes flanges. The flanges define slotsconfigured to facilitate alignment with the receptacle before the firstlocking mechanism secures the coupling nozzle to the receptacle.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a bushing fixedly positioned adjacent the mounting ring. Thebushing slidably receives the flow body in a keyed manner to preventrotation of the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a cleaning nozzle adjacent the inlet of the flow body. To forma sealed connection between the coupling nozzle and the receptacle, thecleaning nozzle is configured to emit pressurized fluid to clean thereceptacle before the first locking mechanism secures the couplingnozzle to the receptacle.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a proximity sensor assembly configured to detect when thecoupling nozzle is securely coupled to the receptacle via the firstlocking mechanism.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises piping fluidly coupled to the pneumatic cylinder andconfigured to provide pressurized fluid to the pneumatic cylinder.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a bundle. The bundle comprises a pneumatic hosecoupled to and configured to provide the pressurized fluid to thepiping, a fill hose coupled to the outlet of the flow body and fluidlycoupled to the conduit of the flow body to receive the cryogenic fluidflowing through the conduit, and at least one flexible insulating layersecurely and compactly bundling the pneumatic hose and the fill hose.

With respect to a redundant locking mechanism, an example couplingnozzle for cryogenic fluid flow comprises a flow body defining aconduit, an inlet, and an outlet. The flow body is configured to permitcryogenic fluid to flow into the conduit via the inlet and out of theconduit via the outlet. The coupling nozzle also comprises a mountingring through which the flow body slidably extends and a pneumaticcylinder. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a cylinder body fixedlypositioned relative to the mounting ring and a shaft configured to slidebetween an extended position and a contracted position. The shaft iscoupled to and configured to actuate the flow body. The coupling nozzlealso comprises a first locking mechanism coupled to the mounting ringand configured to secure the coupling nozzle to a receptacle. The inletof the conduit is fluidly coupled to the receptacle when the firstlocking mechanism has secured the coupling nozzle to the receptacle. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a flow control assembly at leastpartially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. When the firstlocking mechanism is locked to the receptacle, the pneumatic cylinder isconfigured to actuate the flow control assembly between an open positionand a closed position. The flow control assembly is in the open positionwhen the pneumatic cylinder is in the extended position to permit thecryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body. The flow control assemblyis in the closed position when the pneumatic cylinder is in thecontracted position to prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing throughthe flow body. The coupling nozzle also comprises a redundant lockingmechanism that is configured to prevent the first locking mechanism fromtransitioning from a locked position when the pneumatic cylinder is inthe extended position.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant locking mechanismincludes one or more feet and a lock. The one or more feet areconfigured to engage the lock to prevent movement of the first lockingmechanism from the locked position.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the first lockingmechanism comprises a linkage assembly for transitioning between thelocked position and an unlocked position. The one or more feet arecoupled to the linkage assembly such that the one or more feet move asthe first locking mechanism transitions between the locked position andthe unlocked position.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the one ormore feet are integrally formed with a respective pivot joint of thelinkage assembly.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, when the pneumaticcylinder is in the extended position, the lock is positioned near theone or more feet to engage the one or more feet and prevent movement ofthe first locking mechanism from the locked position.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, when the pneumaticcylinder is in the contracted position, the lock is positioned away fromthe one or more feet to not engage the one or more feet and enablemovement of the first locking mechanism from the locked position.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the one or morefeet includes a convex curved surface configured to engage the lock.When the pneumatic cylinder has been released from the extendedposition, the convex curved surface enables each of the one or more feetto slide along the lock to an unlocked position and pushes the lock toovercome a biasing force and into the contracted position.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises an arm coupled to and extending from the shaft of thepneumatic cylinder. The arm extends between the shaft and the flow bodyto couple the shaft to the flow body.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the lock is fixedlycoupled to at least one of the arm and the shaft such that the lockslides with the shaft as the pneumatic cylinder transitions between theextended position and the contracted position.

In addition, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the lock ispositioned to engage the one or more feet to prevent movement of thefirst locking mechanism when the pneumatic cylinder is in the extendedposition and be disengaged from the one or more feet to enable movementof the first locking mechanism when the pneumatic cylinder is in thecontracted position.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a frame extending between the cylinder body of thepneumatic cylinder and the mounting ring. The mounting ring is coupledto the frame. The cylinder body is coupled to the frame to fixedlyposition the cylinder body relative to the mounting ring that is coupledto the frame.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant lockingmechanism further comprises a plurality of stoppers fixed to the frameadjacent to the lock. Each of the plurality of stoppers is configured toengage a top surface of the lock to prevent rotation of the lock.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the lock includes a setof opposing arms. Each of the plurality of stopper is configured toengage a respective one of the set of opposing arms to prevent rotationof the lock.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant locking mechanismincludes a linkage and a slot, wherein the linkage is configured to atleast partially extend into the slot when the pneumatic cylinder is inthe extended position to prevent the first locking mechanism fromtransitioning from the locked position.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant lockingmechanism further comprises a fixed linkage, wherein the linkage iscoupled to the mounting ring via the fixed linkage.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the slot is fixedlypositioned relative to the mounting ring.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a bushing fixedly positioned adjacent and relative tothe mounting ring, wherein the bushing defines the slot.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the linkage isoperatively coupled to the flow body via an operating linkage.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, to prevent the firstlocking mechanism from transitioning from the locked position, thelinkage is configured to extend into the slot as the flow body is pushedtoward the receptacle by the pneumatic cylinder transitioning to theextended position.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, to enable the firstlocking mechanism to transition from the locked position, the linkage isconfigured to retract out of the slot as the pneumatic cylindertransitions to the contracted position to cause the flow body to retractfrom the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the linkage includes aproximal end and a distal end.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the distal end of thelinkage is configured to rotate into the slot as the pneumatic cylindertransitions to the extended position and rotate out of the slot as thepneumatic cylinder transitions to the contracted position.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant lockingmechanism further comprises a fixed linkage fixedly coupled to themounting ring. The linkage is rotatably coupled to the fixed linkagebetween the distal end and the proximal end to enable the distal end torotate into and out of the slot.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the redundant lockingmechanism further comprises an actuating linkage that includes a firstend and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is hingedlycoupled to the proximal end of the linkage, wherein the second enddefines a pin slot of a pin-and-slot connection.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a pin that is received by the pin slot of thepin-and-slot connection. The pin of the pin-and-slot is configured toslide with the flow body to actuate the actuating linkage. The actuatinglinkage is configured to cause the linkage to transition into and out ofthe slot to transition the redundant locking mechanism between a lockedposition and an unlocked position.

With respect to a locking mechanism that is operable pneumatically andmanually, an example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flow comprisesa flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. The flow bodyis configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into the conduit via theinlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. The coupling nozzle alsocomprises a mounting ring through which the flow body slidably extendsand a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder comprises a cylinderbody fixedly positioned relative to the mounting ring and a shaftconfigured to slide between an extended position and a contractedposition. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flowbody. The coupling nozzle also comprises a first locking mechanismcoupled to the mounting ring and configured to secure the couplingnozzle to a receptacle. The inlet of the conduit is fluidly coupled tothe receptacle when the first locking mechanism has secured the couplingnozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle also comprises a linearactuator and a rotating handle that are configured to actuate the firstlocking mechanism between an unlocked position and a locked position.The linear actuator and the rotating handle are operatively parallel toeach other such that the first locking mechanism actuates when thelinear actuator or the rotating handle actuates. The coupling nozzlealso comprises a flow control assembly at least partially disposed inthe conduit of the flow body. The pneumatic cylinder is configured toactuate the flow body to transition the flow control assembly between anopen position and a closed position. The flow control assembly isconfigured to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow bodyin the open position and prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowingthrough the flow body in the closed position.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the first locking mechanismcomprises a plurality of linkages configured to actuate between theunlocked position and the locked position.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the plurality of linkagesare arranged circumferentially around the flow body.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the first lockingmechanism further comprises flanges at a distal end of the plurality oflinkages. The flanges are configured to engage the receptacle in thelocked position to secure the coupling nozzle to the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the linear actuatorcomprises a shaft operatively coupled to the plurality of linkages. Theshaft is configured to actuate linearly to cause the first lockingmechanism to transition between the unlocked position and the lockedposition.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a second plurality of linkages extending between andoperatively connecting the rotating handle and the plurality of linkagesof the first locking mechanism.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the linear actuator comprises asecond pneumatic cylinder.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the second pneumaticcylinder comprises a cylinder body that is fixedly positioned relativeto the mounting ring.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a button configured to initiate actuation of the linearactuator.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the rotating handle isconfigured to enable an operator to rotate the rotating handle toprovide manual control of the first locking mechanism.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises one or more proximity sensors configured to a proximity sensorassembly configured to detect when the first locking mechanism hassecured the coupling nozzle to the receptacle in the locked position.

With respect to a flow control assembly with outer and inner poppets, anexample coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flow comprises a flow bodydefining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. The flow body is configuredto permit cryogenic fluid to flow into the conduit via the inlet and outof the conduit via the outlet. The coupling nozzle also comprises apneumatic cylinder that comprises a shaft configured to slide between anextended position and a contracted position. The shaft is configured toactuate the flow body. The coupling nozzle also comprises a flow controlassembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body.The flow control assembly comprises an outer poppet configured tocontrol the flow of the cryogenic fluid through the conduit whenpressure within the conduit is equalized. The outer popper comprises avalve seat fixed to the flow body adjacent the inlet and a plugconfigured to slide between a closed position and an open position ofthe outer poppet. The plug is configured to engage the valve seat in theclosed position to prevent cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flowbody and disengage the valve seat in the open position to enable thecryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body. The flow control assemblyalso comprises an inner poppet configured to equalize the pressurewithin the conduit. The inner poppet comprises a stem extending beyondthe plug. The stem is configured to engage a receptacle stem of thereceptacle. When the pneumatic cylinder actuates from the contractedposition to the extended position, the shaft is configured to cause thevalve seat fixed to the flow body to move relative to and disengage fromthe plug to open the outer poppet. When the pneumatic cylinder actuatesfrom the extended position to the contracted position, the shaft isconfigured to cause the valve seat fixed to the flow body to moverelative to and engage the plug to close the outer poppet.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, in an open position, the innerpoppet enables the pressure within the conduit to be equalized.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer poppet comprises apoppet body at least partially defining the plug, the valve seat, and afirst spring coupled to the poppet body and configured to bias the plugto engage the valve seat.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the inner poppetcomprises the stem, a second plug at least partially defined by the stemand configured to selectively engage a seat surface defined by thepoppet body, and a second spring configured to bias the second plug toengage the seat surface.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the poppet body ofthe outer poppet defines an opening through which the stem of the innerpoppet is configured to slidably extend.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the pneumaticcylinder has a maximum force, the second plug has an outer diameter, andthe second spring has a maximum force that enable the inner poppet toopen when the pneumatic cylinder is in the extended position to equalizepressure within the conduit of the flow body.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the plug has an outerdiameter, the first spring has a maximum force, and the pneumaticcylinder has the maximum force that, when the pneumatic cylinder is inthe extended position, prevent the outer poppet from opening whenpressure within the conduit is not equalized and enable the outer poppetto open when the pressure within the conduit is equalized.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer diameterof the poppet and the maximum force of the spring enable the outerpoppet to reopen, after the pneumatic cylinder has contracted and theflow control assembly has subsequently closed, to vent cryogenic fluidtrapped between the receptacle and the coupling nozzle when a forceapplied by the trapped cryogenic fluid onto the outer poppet exceedsthat applied by the first spring.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer poppet is configured toinitially remain closed when the pneumatic cylinder transitions to theextended position.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the inner poppet isconfigured to open to equalize pressure within the conduit of the flowbody when the pneumatic cylinder transitions to the extended position.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer poppet isconfigured to open when the pressure within the conduit is equalized toenable the cryogenic fluid to flow through the conduit.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer poppet and theinner poppet are configured to close when the pneumatic cylinder returnsto the closed position.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the outer poppet isconfigured to subsequently reopen to vent cryogenic fluid trappedbetween the coupling nozzle and the receptacle when the pressure of thetrapped cryogenic fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold.

With respect to a connection between a stem and a poppet body of a fluidcontrol assembly, an example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flowcomprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. Theflow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into theconduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a flow control assembly at leastpartially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The flow controlassembly comprises a valve seat fixed to the flow body adjacent theinlet and a plug configured to slide between a closed position and anopen position. The plug is configured to engage the valve seat in theclosed position to prevent cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flowbody and disengage the valve seat in the open position to enable thecryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body. The flow control assemblyalso comprises a stem defining a blind hole. The stem extends beyond theplug and is configured to engage a receptacle stem of the receptaclewhen the coupling nozzle is locked to the receptacle. The flow controlassembly also comprises a poppet body comprising a protrusion that isreceived by the blind hole to couple the poppet body to the stem. Thepoppet body and the stem at least partially define the plug when coupledtogether.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the blind hole and the protrusionare threaded.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the poppet body and thestem are threadably coupled together via the protrusion and the blindhole.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a seal disposed between the stem and the poppet body.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal is an O-ring.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal at leastpartially defines the plug.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal ispositioned along an outer surface between the stem and the poppet bodyto prevent cryogenic fluid from seeping between the stem and the poppetbody.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the poppet body defines a fluidpathway that extends through the protrusion.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, when the poppet body iscoupled to the stem, the fluid pathway fluidly connects the blind holeto the conduit to form a vent for the blind hole.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the vent formed bythe poppet body is configured to vent cryogenic fluid from the blindhole to prevent the cryogenic fluid from becoming trapped and expandingwithin the blind hole in a manner that deteriorates the seal.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the poppet body is hollow anddefines openings through which cryogenic fluid is configured to flowwhen the plug is in the open position.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a spring positioned between the poppet body and a step of theflow body to bias the plug toward the closed position.

With respect to a multi-piece valve seat, an example coupling nozzle forcryogenic fluid flow comprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet,and an outlet. The flow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid toflow into the conduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via theoutlet. The coupling nozzle also comprises a flow control assembly atleast partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The flowcontrol assembly comprises a valve seat fixed to the flow body adjacentthe inlet. The valve seat comprises a seat body coupled to the flow bodywithin the conduit, a seal retainer enclosing the seat body within theconduit by at least partially extending into the conduit, and a sealpositioned between the seal retainer and an end of the flow bodyadjacent the inlet. The flow control assembly also comprises a plugconfigured to slide between a closed position and an open position. Theplug is configured to engage the seat body of the valve seat in theclosed position to prevent cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flowbody and disengage the valve seat in the open position to enable thecryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body. The flow control assemblyalso comprises a stem that extends beyond the plug and is configured toengage a receptacle stem of a receptacle when the coupling nozzle islocked and fluidly coupled to the receptacle.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, wherein the flow body includesinterior threads adjacent the inlet.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the seat body includesfirst external threads. The seat body is threadably coupled to the flowbody within the conduit via the internal threads of the flow body andthe first external threads of the seat body.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal retainerincludes second external threads. The seal retainer is threadablycoupled to the flow body via the internal threads of the flow body andthe second external threads of the seat body to enclose the seat bodywithin the conduit and retain the seal adjacent the end of the flowbody.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the seat body and the sealretainer are formed of brass.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal is an O-ring.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal retainer is configured todecouple from the flow body while the seat body remains coupled to theflow body within the conduit to enable replacement of the seal withoutfully depressurizing fluid flow of the cryogenic fluid.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the seal retainer includes aflange that extends in outwardly circumferential direction and retainsthe seal adjacent the end of the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a spring positioned between the poppet body and a step of theflow body to bias the plug toward the closed position.

With respect to a nozzle end cover that facilitates alignment with areceptacle, an example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flowcomprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. Theflow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into theconduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a mounting ring through which the flowbody slidably extends and a first locking mechanism coupled to themounting ring and configured to secure the coupling nozzle to areceptacle. The inlet of the conduit is fluidly coupled to thereceptacle when the first locking mechanism has secured the couplingnozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle also comprises an endcover that includes flanges. The flanges define slots configured tofacilitate alignment with the receptacle before the first lockingmechanism secures the coupling nozzle to the receptacle. The couplingnozzle also comprises a flow control assembly at least partiallydisposed in the conduit of the flow body. When the first lockingmechanism is locked to the receptacle, the flow control assembly isconfigured to actuate between an open position to permit the cryogenicfluid to flow through the flow body and a closed position to prevent thecryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the end cover at least partiallycovers the first locking mechanism.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the flanges that define the slotsof the of the end cover are adjacent the inlet of the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the slots defined by the flangesof the end cover are configured to receive respective bearings of thereceptacle to facilitate alignment with receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the flanges define theslots to extend linearly. The slots are configured to receive thebearings linearly without rotation of the end cover to deter twisting ofthe coupling nozzle when coupling to the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the flanges areequally sized with respect to each other.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the flangesare equally spaced apart from each other concentrically around a centeraxis of the end cover.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the flanges areequally size and spaced apart with respect to each other to reduce anamount of rotation of the end cover to align the slots with the bearingsof the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the flangesincludes an end that defines opposing chamfers. The chamfers of theflanges are configured to guide the bearings of the receptacle into theslots of the end cover.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the chamfers areangled at about 70 degrees to guide the bearings of the receptacle intothe slots of the end cover.

With respect to a keyed flow body, an example coupling nozzle forcryogenic fluid flow comprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet,and an outlet. The flow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid toflow into the conduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via theoutlet. The coupling nozzle also comprises a mounting ring through whichthe flow body slidably extends and a bushing fixedly positioned adjacentthe mounting ring. The bushing slidably receives the flow body in akeyed manner to prevent rotation of the flow body. The coupling nozzlealso comprises a pneumatic cylinder that comprises a cylinder bodyfixedly positioned relative to the mounting ring and a shaft configuredto slide between an extended position and a contracted position. Theshaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flow body. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a flow control assembly at leastpartially disposed in the conduit of the flow body. The pneumaticcylinder is configured to actuate the flow body to transition the flowcontrol assembly between an open position and a closed position. Theflow control assembly is configured to permit the cryogenic fluid toflow through the flow body in the open position and prevent thecryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body in the closedposition.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the bushing defines an openingthat slidably receives the flow body.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the bushing defines akeyed slot extending from the opening.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the flow body furthercomprises a keyed fin extending along an exterior surface of the flowbody.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the keyed slot of thebushing slidably receives the keyed fin to prevent rotation of the flowbody.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the keyed finextends in a longitudinal direction along the exterior surface of theflow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the bushing is coupled to themounting ring via fasteners.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a frame extending between the cylinder body of the pneumaticcylinder and the mounting ring. The mounting ring is coupled to theframe. The cylinder body is coupled to the frame to fixedly position thecylinder body relative to the mounting ring that is coupled to theframe.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the bushing is formed of brass.

With respect to cleaning a receptacle before connecting a nozzle to thereceptacle, an example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flowcomprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. Theflow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into theconduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a mounting ring through which the flowbody slidably extends and a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylindercomprises a shaft configured to slide between an extended position and acontracted position. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuatethe flow body. The coupling nozzle also comprises a first lockingmechanism coupled to the mounting ring and configured to secure thecoupling nozzle to a receptacle. The inlet of the conduit is fluidlycoupled to the receptacle when the first locking mechanism has securedthe coupling nozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle alsocomprises a cleaning nozzle adjacent the inlet of the flow body. To forma sealed connection between the coupling nozzle and the receptacle, thecleaning nozzle is configured to emit pressurized fluid to clean thereceptacle before the first locking mechanism secures the couplingnozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle also comprises a flowcontrol assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flowbody. When the first locking mechanism is locked to the receptacle, thepneumatic cylinder is configured to actuate the flow control assemblybetween an open position and a closed position. The flow controlassembly is in the open position when the pneumatic cylinder is in theextended position to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flowbody. The flow control assembly is in the closed position when thepneumatic cylinder is in the contracted position to prevent thecryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the pressurized fluid emitted bythe cleaning nozzle is pressurized air.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the cleaning nozzle comprises aplurality of spouts, wherein each of the plurality of sprouts isconfigured to emit the pressurized fluid onto the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the plurality ofsprouts comprises a tip that is angled inward toward a center axis ofthe cleaning nozzle to facilitate the spouts in blowing pressurized aironto the receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the cleaning nozzlefurther comprises a frame from which the plurality of spouts extend.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the frame comprisesarms that are arranged opposite to each other.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, each of the armsincludes one or more of the plurality of sprouts.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a bushing coupled to the mounting ring. The frame ofthe cleaning nozzle is coupled to the bushing.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the bushing defines aplurality cutouts through which the plurality of sprouts extend towardthe inlet of the flow body.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzle furthercomprises a mechanical wiper extending circumferentially around the flowbody adjacent the inlet. The mechanical wiper is configured to wipe aportion of the receptacle before the first locking mechanism secures thecoupling nozzle to the receptacle to prevent material from subsequentlyloosening the sealed connection between the coupling nozzle and thereceptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the flow body defines agroove in which the mechanical wiper rests.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises a seal extending circumferentially around the flowbody adjacent the inlet to facilitate the sealed connection between thecoupling nozzle and the receptacle.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the mechanical wiperis positioned between the seal and an end of the flow body defining theinlet.

With respect to a proximity sensor for monitoring a connection with areceptacle, an example coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flowcomprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. Theflow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow into theconduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via the outlet. Thecoupling nozzle also comprises a mounting ring through which the flowbody slidably extends and a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylindercomprises a cylinder body fixedly positioned relative to the mountingring and a shaft configured to slide between an extended position and acontracted position. The shaft is coupled to and configured to actuatethe flow body. The coupling nozzle also comprises a first lockingmechanism coupled to the mounting ring and configured to secure thecoupling nozzle to a receptacle. The inlet of the conduit is fluidlycoupled to the receptacle when the first locking mechanism has securedthe coupling nozzle to the receptacle. The coupling nozzle alsocomprises a proximity sensor assembly configured to detect when thecoupling nozzle is securely coupled to the receptacle via the firstlocking mechanism. The coupling nozzle also comprises a flow controlassembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flow body.When the first locking mechanism is locked to the receptacle, the flowcontrol assembly is configured to actuate between an open position topermit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body and a closedposition to prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flowbody.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensor assemblycomprises a proximity sensor and a sensor shaft. The proximity sensor isconfigured to detect whether the coupling nozzle is coupled to thereceptacle by monitoring an end of the sensor shaft.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensor isfixed to an outer surface of the coupling nozzle and the sensor shaft isconfigured to slide toward and away from the proximity sensor.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensorassembly further comprises a supporting wall for the sensor shaft. Thesupporting wall is fixed to the outer surface of the coupling nozzle.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the supporting walldefines an aperture through which the sensor shaft is configured toslide.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the sensor shaft isconfigured to be pushed by the receptacle toward the proximity sensorand to an active position as the first locking mechanism secures thecoupling nozzle to the receptacle. The proximity sensor is configured todetect the presence of the end of the sensor shaft in the activeposition when the coupling nozzle is coupled to the receptacle.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the sensor shaft isconfigured to be pushed away from the proximity sensor and to a restposition as the coupling nozzle is decoupled from the receptacle. Theproximity sensor is configured to not detect the presence of the end ofthe sensor shaft in the rest position when the coupling nozzle isdecoupled from the receptacle.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensorassembly further comprises a spring that biases the sensor shaft towardthe rest position.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensorassembly further comprises a sensor shaft plunger and a spring wall. Thespring is a compression spring positioned between and engaging thesensor shaft plunger and the spring wall.

In addition, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the spring wall isfixed to an outer surface of the coupling nozzle and the sensor shaftplunger is fixed to the sensor shaft. The spring is configured tocompress between the sensor shaft plunger and the spring wall as thesensor shaft slides toward the proximity sensor.

In a further example of the coupling nozzle, the spring wall defines anaperture through which the sensor shaft is configured to slide.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensor issensitive to a type of material being detected.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the proximity sensoris configured to monitor for the presence of the receptacle via thesensor shaft to enable the proximity sensor to accurately monitorreceptacles of different materials.

With respect to an insulated bundle, an example coupling nozzle forcryogenic fluid flow comprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet,and an outlet. The flow body is configured to permit cryogenic fluid toflow into the conduit via the inlet and out of the conduit via theoutlet. The coupling nozzle also comprises a mounting ring through whichthe flow body slidably extends and a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumaticcylinder comprises a cylinder body fixedly positioned relative to themounting ring and a shaft configured to slide between an extendedposition and a contracted position. The shaft is coupled to andconfigured to actuate the flow body. The coupling nozzle also comprisespiping fluidly coupled to the pneumatic cylinder and configured toprovide pressurized fluid to the pneumatic cylinder. The coupling nozzlealso comprises a bundle that comprises a pneumatic hose coupled to andconfigured to provide the pressurized fluid to the piping, a fill hosecoupled to the outlet of the flow body and fluidly coupled to theconduit to receive the cryogenic fluid flowing through the conduit, andat least one flexible insulating layer securely and compactly bundlingthe pneumatic hose and the fill hose. The coupling nozzle also comprisesa flow control assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit ofthe flow body. The pneumatic cylinder is configured to actuate the flowbody to transition the flow control assembly between an open positionand a closed position. The flow control assembly is configured to permitthe cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow body in the open positionand prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowing through the flow body inthe closed position.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the at least one insulating layerof the bundle comprises an outer sleeve that fits over the pneumatichose and the fill hose. The outer sleeve provides insulation from thecryogenic fluid flowing through the fill hose to enable an operator tohold the bundle without protective gloves.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the at least oneinsulating layer of the bundle further comprises a fill hose sleeve thatfits over the fill hose. The fill hose sleeve is positioned between thefill hose and the pneumatic hose to insulate the pneumatic hose from thecryogenic fluid flowing through the fill hose.

Furthermore, in an example of the coupling nozzle, at least one of theouter sleeve and the inner sleeve is a polypropylene sleeve.

Moreover, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the bundle furthercomprises an inner sleeve that covers and bundles together the pneumatichose, the fill hose, and the fill hose sleeve within the outer sleeve.

Additionally, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the inner sleeveincludes a spiraled polyethylene sleeve.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the bundle further comprises anelectrical conduit that houses electrical wiring.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the coupling nozzlefurther comprises one or more proximity sensors connected to theelectrical wiring and configured to detect when the coupling nozzle issecurely coupled to a receptacle.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the electrical conduitincludes a flexible metal conduit that is liquid-tight andextreme-temperature rated to insulate the electrical wiring from thecryogenic liquid flowing through the fill hose.

Further, in an example of the coupling nozzle, the at least oneinsulating layer of the bundle comprises an outer sleeve that fits overthe pneumatic hose, the fill hose, and the electrical conduit. The outersleeve provides insulation from the cryogenic fluid flowing through thefill hose to enable an operator to hold the bundle without protectivegloves. The at least one insulating layer of the bundle furthercomprises a fill hose sleeve that fits over the fill hose. The fill hosesleeve is positioned between the fill hose and both the pneumatic hoseand the electrical conduit to insulate the pneumatic hose from thecryogenic fluid flowing through the fill hose. The bundle furthercomprises an inner sleeve that covers and bundles together the pneumatichose, the fill hose, the fill hose sleeve, and the electrical conduitwithin the outer sleeve.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the fill hose includes a stainlesssteel braided or corrugated hose.

In an example of the coupling nozzle, the pneumatic hose includes asteel-braided pneumatic hose.

In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to includethe conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is notintended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the”object or “a” and “an” object is intended to denote also one of apossible plurality of such objects. Further, the conjunction “or” may beused to convey features that are simultaneously present instead ofmutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction “or”should be understood to include “and/or”. The terms “includes,”“including,” and “include” are inclusive and have the same scope as“comprises,” “comprising,” and “comprise” respectively.

The above-described embodiments, and particularly any “preferred”embodiments, are possible examples of implementations and merely setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Manyvariations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit andprinciples of the techniques described herein. All modifications areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flow,comprising: a flow body defining a conduit, wherein the flow body isconfigured to permit cryogenic fluid to flow through the conduit; amounting ring through which the flow body slidably extends; a bushingfixedly positioned adjacent the mounting ring, wherein the bushingslidably receives the flow body in a keyed manner to prevent rotation ofthe flow body; a pneumatic cylinder comprising: a cylinder body fixedlypositioned relative to the mounting ring; and a shaft configured toslide between an extended position and a contracted position, whereinthe shaft is coupled to and configured to actuate the flow body; and aflow control assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of theflow body, wherein the pneumatic cylinder is configured to actuate theflow body to transition the flow control assembly between an openposition and a closed position, wherein the flow control assembly isconfigured to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through the flow bodyin the open position and prevent the cryogenic fluid from flowingthrough the flow body in the closed position.
 2. The coupling nozzle ofclaim 1, wherein the bushing defines an opening that slidably receivesthe flow body.
 3. The coupling nozzle of claim 2, wherein the bushingdefines a keyed slot extending from the opening.
 4. The coupling nozzleof claim 3, wherein the flow body further comprises a keyed finextending along an exterior surface of the flow body.
 5. The couplingnozzle of claim 4, wherein the keyed slot of the bushing slidablyreceives the keyed fin to prevent rotation of the flow body.
 6. Thecoupling nozzle of claim 5, wherein the keyed fin extends in alongitudinal direction along the exterior surface of the flow body. 7.The coupling nozzle of claim 1, wherein the bushing is coupled to themounting ring via fasteners.
 8. The coupling nozzle of claim 1, furthercomprising a frame extending between the cylinder body of the pneumaticcylinder and the mounting ring, wherein the mounting ring is coupled tothe frame.
 9. The coupling nozzle of claim 8, wherein the cylinder bodyis coupled to the frame to fixedly position the cylinder body relativeto the mounting ring that is coupled to the frame.
 10. The couplingnozzle of claim 1, wherein the bushing is formed of brass.
 11. Acoupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid flow, comprising: a flow bodydefining an exterior surface and a conduit, wherein the flow bodycomprises a keyed fin extending along the exterior surface; a flowcontrol assembly at least partially disposed in the conduit of the flowbody to control flow of cryogenic fluid through the conduit; a mountingring through which the flow body slidably extends; and a bushing fixedlypositioned adjacent the mounting ring, wherein the bushing defines anopening and a keyed slot extending from the opening, wherein the openingslidably receives the flow body and the keyed slot slidably receives thekeyed fin to prevent rotation of the flow body; wherein the flow body isconfigured to slide through the bushing to cause the flow controlassembly to transition between an open position and a closed position.12. The coupling nozzle of claim 11, wherein the keyed fin extends in alongitudinal direction along the exterior surface of the flow body. 13.The coupling nozzle of claim 11, wherein the bushing is coupled to themounting ring via fasteners.
 14. The coupling nozzle of claim 11,further comprising an actuator that comprises a shaft coupled to theflow body, wherein the shaft is configured to slide between an extendedposition and a contracted position to cause the flow body to transitionthe flow control assembly between the closed position and the openposition.
 15. The coupling nozzle of claim 14, further comprising aframe to which a body of the actuator and the mounting ring is coupled.16. The coupling nozzle of claim 11, wherein the bushing is formed ofbrass.
 17. The coupling nozzle of claim 11, wherein the flow controlassembly is configured to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow through theconduit in the open position and prevent the cryogenic fluid fromflowing through the conduit in the closed position.